The Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, Oba Akeem Owoade, has appointed Alhaji Bilaan Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.
This was contained in a press release by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Paramount Ruler, Bode Durojaiye.
Oba Owoade rejoiced for Allah’s mercy and the lesson which He has bestowed on the new Chief Imam by making him a respectable Islamic Leader in the Great city of Oyo.
The Alaafin said, “Having passed through the duly screening test, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected by me as the new Chief Imam of Oyo?
“The moment is not only significant for our people, but also sacred in the eyes of Allah for leadership in Islam is a truth that demands humility, sincerity and justice”.
Exclusive prerogative of the Alaafin
Recall that in September, the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace addressed rumours suggesting that a new Chief Imam had been appointed in Oyo town, emphasising that no decision had yet been made.
In a statement, the palace urged residents to disregard the circulating reports, describing them as unfounded. Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, stated that the selection process is still ongoing and involves careful consultations to ensure an appropriate appointment.
“The Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom reassures the community that the process is being handled with the utmost care and respect for tradition,” Durojaiye said. He further noted that the appointment of the Chief Imam remains an exclusive prerogative of the Alaafin.
The palace called on members of the public to exercise patience and maintain peace while the due process is concluded. The statement underlined the Alaafin’s commitment to transparency and the preservation of harmony within Oyo during the transition.
MURIC Kicks
However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) rejected claims by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, that he holds the exclusive authority to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town. In a statement on September 17, 2025, signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the monarch’s assertion as “false, baseless and without legal backing.”
The statement responded directly to remarks from the Alaafin, asserting that the appointment of the Chief Imam is a sole prerogative of the throne. MURIC argued that such claims represent an abuse of privilege by traditional rulers in Yorubaland.
“What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers. We challenge him to produce any legal instrument that empowers him to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo,” Prof. Akintola said.
The organisation also questioned whether the monarch would extend similar authority to appoint Christian leaders.
“If he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim power to appoint the Chief Imam. By law, Nigeria is a democracy, not a monarchy. Muslims are not slaves and they have the right to freely choose their leaders,” the statement added.
MURIC stressed that while the Alaafin may formally endorse a candidate put forward by the Muslim community, the selection of the Chief Imam is a matter for the faithful. The group recommended that the Muslim Community of Oyo engage the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) to present a single candidate for confirmation.
The organisation concluded by urging the monarch to respect the religious autonomy of his subjects.
“Kabiyesi, you are king over all—Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists. Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you the right to appoint the Chief Imam. Respect begets respect,” MURIC stated.
