Alaafin’s Palace Responds to Rumors
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has dismissed reports circulating about the appointment of a new Chief Imam of Oyo, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued in Ibadan by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, the monarch cautioned the public against believing unverified stories, insisting that no candidate has been officially chosen to occupy the revered Islamic leadership position in the ancient town.
“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling around that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo. The good people of Oyo and members of the public are advised to disregard such unfounded, baseless, and wicked information as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town,” Durojaye said.
Why the Clarification Matters
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the succession process following the death of Sheikh Mashood Ajokidero, the previous Chief Imam of Oyo, who passed away in January 2023.
His death created a leadership vacuum in Oyo’s Muslim community, and nearly two years later, the absence of a substantive Chief Imam has stirred debate, speculation, and even criticism from groups like the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
MURIC had expressed concern over the delay, saying: “Two good years have elapsed without a Chief Imam, and this does not sit well with the Muslim community.”
Selection Still Underway
According to the Alaafin’s Palace, the selection of a new Chief Imam is a delicate process requiring wide consultation and fairness. Durojaye emphasized that the Alaafin himself is keen on ensuring that the right choice is made, in line with Oyo tradition and Islamic principles.
“The selection of a new Chief Imam of Oyo is undergoing due process and wider consultations, and His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin and Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom, has urged the people to remain calm and peaceful, as the rightful choice will be made in due course,” he added.
Who Decides the Chief Imam of Oyo?
Traditionally, the Alaafin of Oyo plays a significant role in the appointment of the Chief Imam. However, the Muslim community in Oyo town also has a say, making the process both religious and cultural.
This dual role has occasionally sparked debates over who should have the final authority—the Palace or the Muslim ummah. While palace authorities insist the appointment remains the exclusive preserve of the Alaafin, some Islamic groups argue that religious autonomy should be respected.
The Stakes for Oyo’s Muslim Community
The Chief Imam of Oyo is more than a symbolic leader. The office represents the highest Islamic authority in the town, responsible for leading Friday prayers, guiding the faithful, and uniting different Islamic groups under one spiritual head.
Without a substantive Chief Imam for almost two years, some worshippers worry about fragmentation, leadership disputes, and waning influence of the position. The delay has also fueled speculations, which the Alaafin’s Palace is now keen to dispel.
Palace’s Call for Calm
In his statement, Durojaye appealed to Oyo residents to remain patient, stressing that the Alaafin’s ultimate goal is to uphold fairness, unity, and peace.
“The rightful choice will be made in due course,” he assured, noting that rushed or politically motivated decisions could create lasting divisions within the community.
