The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Muslims in Oyo Land to the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto on all Islamic matters.
Sheikh Akeugberu stated that Muslims across Oyo Land and the wider Yoruba region remain steadfast despite what he described as attempts by divisive elements, allegedly driven by political motives, to create disunity and incite opposition against the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
According to the Grand Chief Imam, adherence to the Sultan’s leadership is both a religious obligation and a unifying principle for Muslims in the region.
“The Ummah in Oyo Land will, by the will of Allah, follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters,” he said.
He explained that this position aligns fully with Islamic teachings, noting that it is consistent with the Sunnah as enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Earlier, Sheikh Akeugberu who is also a legal practitioner and former Secretary-General of the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC) issued a statement from his office clarifying that Oyo Land would not independently declare the commencement of Ramadan fasting.
In the statement personally signed by him, the Grand Chief Imam announced that Muslims in Oyo Land would await the official declaration of moon sighting by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, before beginning the Ramadan fast.
“The general public is hereby notified to await the official announcement from His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, regarding the commencement of the Ramadan fasting,” the statement read.
The declaration, he noted, underscored the importance of unity, religious order, and respect for established Islamic authority within Nigeria’s Muslim community.
