SOUN, CHIEF IMAM RIFT THREATENS PEACE IN OGBOMOSO – MUSLIM COMMUNITY SEEKS INTERVENTION
By: Ajape Sefiu A.
The Ogbomoso Muslim Community has declared that the lingering feud between the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye and the Chief Imam of the town, Sheik Teliat Yunus Ayilara, is threatening the peace and stability in the town.
Chairman, Ogbomoso Muslim Community, Alhaji Akintoye AbdusSalam Olla, made this declaration via a statement seen by 3SIXTYISLAM on Thursday.
It was gathered that the traditional ruler and the Chief Imam have been at loggerheads since the traditional ruler ascended the throne.
The recent incident that became a subject of controversy was the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the palace Imam by the traditional ruler.
However, Olla in the statement declared that the crisis between the traditional ruler and the cleric is currently threatening the peace and stability in the town.
Olla, in the statement, then used the opportunity to appeal to relevant stakeholders to intervene.
Speaking further, the chairman maintained that the traditional ruler is planning to hijack the Central Mosque in the town and forcefully remove the Chief Imam of the town.
Olla said, “A deepening crisis is threatening the peace and stability of Ogbomoso, as the actions of Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Pastor Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, spark tensions within the Muslim community.
“The controversy, fueled by a disputed Imamship, has seen the monarch attempt to remove the widely respected Grand Chief Imam, Dr. Teliat Yunus Ayilara II, despite two court injunctions restraining such action.
“The Palace’s continued intimidation and violence have escalated the situation, with reports of plans to hijack the Central Mosque using military force, forcefully remove the Grand Chief Imam.
“The Muslim community is increasingly agitated, and community elders are making efforts to maintain peace. The followership of the Grand Chief Imam transcends all boundaries, making this a potential national security issue requiring swift attention.
“The Ogbomoso Muslim Community urges prompt intervention to prevent further escalation. We call on authorities to take immediate action to rein in the monarch and restore peace and stability to the community.”
However, Spokesman to the traditional ruler, Mr. Peter Olaleye, when contacted, debunked the allegations.
Olaleye, noted that the traditional ruler is not planning to remove the Chief Imam, as alleged in the press statement.
He said, “I am just coming out of the palace. We will not make any official statement, but as far as I know, there is nothing like that. There is nothing like that.”
