The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Muslim community of Oyo town to immediately appoint and turban their Chief Imam, bypassing the traditional involvement of the Alaafin of Oyo. This directive was coming in response to the controversial appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a decision currently under legal scrutiny.
In a statement released on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, emphasized the need for the Muslim community to act independently in appointing their religious leader. He highlighted the prolonged vacancy of the Chief Imam position since the demise of Shaykh Moshood Adebayo Ajokidero in January 2023.
“MURIC advises the Oyo Muslim community to liberate itself from the outdated notion that the king must be involved in the appointment and turbaning of the Imam. This practice has no legal backing and only serves to render the Imam subservient to the traditional ruler,” Professor Akintola stated.
He urged the community to invite the leadership of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) to officiate the turbaning ceremony, emphasized that the involvement of government officials is unnecessary.
The call from MURIC is a significant step towards redefining the relationship between traditional rulers and religious leaders in Yorubaland, aimed to ensure the autonomy and dignity of the Muslim community in their religious affairs.
