The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has thrown his weight behind the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Talihat Ayilara, saying traditional rulers lack the power to sack religious leaders.

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, had on Friday appointed Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara as the Chief Imam for his palace, a move interpreted within the Muslim community in the town as a plot to replace Talihat Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

Tahilat Ayilara and the Soun have been having a running misunderstanding, culminating in a lawsuit before an Oyo State High Court.

The monarch had questioned the Chief Imam’s decision to embark on the holy pilgrimage to Mecca without approval, to which Ayilara insisted he needed not Soun’s approval in the circumstances.

On Friday, the Soun said Habeeb Ayilara would be the Chief Imam of his palace pending the outcome of the court case, seeking to remove Talihat Ayilara as Ogbomoso Chief Imam.

In a statement on Tuesday, Olugbon, who is the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said he noted the concern raised by the Muslim Rights Concern on how Soun was treating the embattled Ayilara.

Oba Alao urged MURIC to sheathe its sword, stressing that stakeholders in Ogbomoso would not allow anything that could divide the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

He said, “My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the Muslim Rights Concern’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday.

“MURIC’s concern about the controversy is well noted. I, however, urge MURIC to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love.

“As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso zone, and the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided. I assure MURIC and other Nigerians having concerns about the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow the promotion of division in the Ogbomoso Muslim community.

“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law, which means that Sheikh Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise.

“I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo.

“As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders. Our roles over religious groups, associations and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such a decision must follow a constitutional process.

“As obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in Oyo State are not partisan on religious affairs.

“Aside from community leaders, the Oyo State Government does not interfere in religious issues. It is fair to both Muslim and Christian communities.

“Traditional rulers should be guided so they won’t fan the ember of division in their kingdoms. We should stand on the path of truth.

“I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.”

The Olugbon said MURIC and others should not worry, assuring that the issue would be properly dealt with. (The Guardian)

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