Warns Against Actions Capable of Triggering Religious Tension in Ogbomosoland and Beyond
The Ogbomosho Muslim Community, in alliance with Islamic scholars, elders, clerics, professionals, and national Muslim organizations, hereby issues this formal press statement to reaffirm total support for the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land and to strongly condemn the unlawful and unconstitutional interference by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, in Islamic religious matters.
Our position is grounded in Islamic jurisprudence, constitutional rights, and the need to maintain peaceful coexistence among all faiths in Ogbomosoland.
1. Statements from Islamic and Traditional Authorities Supporting the Chief Imam
Several respected institutions, Muslim bodies, and traditional authorities have spoken clearly and firmly against the monarch’s attempt to interfere in Islamic leadership.
a. Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
MURIC condemned attempts to remove the Chief Imam and install a “palace Imam,” warning that:
A monarch cannot pick an Imam for Muslims.
No king should attempt with Muslims what he would never dare with Christian clergy.
Any deliberate attempt to intimidate, replace, or undermine the Imam is a threat to peace.
Creating a “palace Imam” while a substantive Imam remains in office is divisive, provocative, and religiously improper.
b. No Dull Moment in Islam (NDMI) – Muslim Professionals Body
NDMI described the actions of the palace as:
A provocative onslaught on the Muslim community.
An overbearing incursion into the internal religious affairs of Muslims.
A behavior that must stop immediately to avoid needless confrontation.
A misuse of influence by a monarch who cannot impose such authority on any Christian denomination.
c. Olugbon of Orile-Igbon A Senior Yoruba Monarch
The Olugbon, one of the most respected traditional rulers in Ogbomosoland, openly stated that:
Traditional rulers have no executive power over any Chief Imam.
Monarchs may advise, but cannot remove or appoint religious leaders.
Only the Muslim community, following proper religious procedures, can determine its Imam.
He personally recognizes and supports the Chief Imam duly chosen by the Muslim community.
These declarations represent a united consensus:
The Soun of Ogbomoso has no constitutional, cultural, or Islamic authority to remove or replace the Chief Imam.
2. Islam Must Not Be Singularly Targeted for Monarchial Control
It is important to emphasize that:
The Soun has never attempted to remove a Bishop, Pastor, Reverend, or any Christian religious figure.
No king in Yorubaland interferes in Christian appointments.
Therefore, Muslims will not accept being the only religious community subjected to overreach.
Religious equality is a fundamental constitutional right.
What is not done to Christians must not be done to Muslims.
3. The Attempt to Install a “Palace Imam” Is Unlawful and Dangerous
Islam recognizes only one Chief Imam chosen through legitimate religious processes.
A parallel “palace Imam”:
lacks Islamic legitimacy,
fragments the Muslim community,
deepens mistrust,
inflames emotions, and
poses a direct threat to public peace.
Such an act has already drawn national concern from Islamic organizations across Nigeria.
4. The Court Has Already Restrained Interference
A valid court order has explicitly restrained the Soun and his council from:
Removing the Chief Imam,
Interfering with the Imam’s duties,
Recognizing or installing any palace Imam.
Any violation of this order constitutes:
Contempt of court,
Abuse of office,
And a direct provocation to peace-loving Muslim citizens.
5. A Clear and Respectful Warning to the Soun of Ogbomosoland
We issue this statement with utmost respect but unshakable firmness:
Your Majesty, the Nigerian Muslim Ummah is watching.
Any further attempt to impose, intimidate, or replace the Chief Imam risks igniting avoidable religious tension.
We cannot allow actions in Ogbomosoland to become a catalyst for Muslims–Christian conflict anywhere in Nigeria.
We urge the palace to refrain from any step that can destabilize our community or endanger peaceful coexistence.
6. The Chief Imam Remains the Only Legitimate Spiritual Leader of Muslims in Ogbomosoland
The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso:
Was chosen through proper Islamic and community procedure.
Holds the confidence of the Muslim populace.
Remains the only lawful and legitimate leader of the Muslim Ummah in Ogbomosoland.
No monarch has the authority to declare otherwise.
7. Our Demands for Peace
To protect harmony in Ogbomosoland and across Nigeria, we call on the Soun to:
1. Cease all interference in the internal affairs of Muslims.
2. Withdraw and disown any parallel palace-appointed Imam.
3. Respect the valid court orders on the matter.
4. Engage with Muslim leadership through proper religious channels.
5. Ensure equal treatment of all religions in Ogbomosoland.
Conclusion
We stand for peace.
We stand for unity.
We stand for justice.
But we will not allow the sanctity of Islam to be undermined by unconstitutional intrusion.
We call on:
The Federal Government,
The Oyo State Government,
National Islamic bodies,
Christian leaders,
Security agencies,
And all peace-loving Nigerians
to intervene and ensure that no action directly or indirectly leads to religious crisis in Ogbomosoland or anywhere in Nigeria.
Let wisdom prevail.
Let justice guide us.
Let peace be preserved.