Soun, Chief Imam feud threatens peace in Ogbomoso – Muslim community

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 made available to Newspot on Wednesday.

Newspot reports that the traditional ruler and the Chief Imam have been at loggerheads since the traditional ruler ascended the throne. https://dailypost.ng/2024/06/29/court-bars-soun-of-ogbomoso-kingmakers-from-removing-chief-imam/

The last incident that became a subject of controversy is the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the palace Imam by the traditional ruler.

Soun’s appointment of palace Imam ignites fresh crisis in Ogbomoso

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But, 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.

Olla while speaking further, 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”.

Spokesman to the traditional ruler, Mr. Peter Olaleye, when contacted, debunked the allegations.

Olaleye in a telephone conversation with Newspot noted that the traditional ruler is not planning to remove the Chief Imam as being 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”.