A new Chief Imam has been installed in Ogbomoso, Oyo state.
The appointment made by the League of Imams and Alfas of Ogbomoso and other Muslim leaders, was approved by the Soun of Ogbomosoland Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III Friday at the Abata section of the palace.
Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara who has been the choice of the Imam Ayilara family whose turn it is to produce the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland was turbaned in the presence of a large population of Muslims in the community including the Parakoyi of Ogbomosoland Alhaji Sirajudeen Aleem, Senator Fatai Buhari (represented by Alhaji Yekinni Woleola) and other Muslim leaders in the community.
However, the Parakoyi noted the new Imam would be for now the Chief Imam of Aafin Ogbomoso implying the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland Sheikh Teliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara’s position is intact though commentators explained there is more to it than meet the eye.
Alhaji Aleem said since the issue of Alhaji Teliat is in court they won’t act contrary to the court.
In his remarks, Oba Ghandi said,
Let me clear this the event of today is not the bus stop, we are yet to reach our destination, the bus only stopped to pick someone. I have refused to remove him (the incumbent Chief Imam Teliat) despite him taking me to court. But I told him you can’t take me to court and be leading me in prayer, we don’t go to court and become friends. You that took me to court your intention is to win, to win against the Oba, and you call yourself an indigene of this town. Such prayer can’t be answered I believe. I am a pastor, if I take my member to court will I lead in prayer and such member will say amen?”
Oba Ghandi further said, “Today’s event marks my birthday. It is historical. The person we installed today we conducted thorough research, we don’t want to make such mistake again. I have been an alfa (pastor) for 32 years, I believe Imam Teliat was still wearing pant then. That is the truth. And as Christians we don’t mount the pulpit to abuse a king, l don’t know your religion much but in Christendom we don’t do that, although there are some pastors that say nonsense too. We should give reverence to God the creator on the pulpit not like he is doing on the mumbar.
“Parakoyi has been leading prayer in the palace and representing me, but I told him we need an Imam who will be representing me where I am invited regarding religious matter.”
