You lack power to query me, my title is not traditional, Ayilara replies

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, has reprimanded the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Shiek Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, for failing to seek his permission before embarking on hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Soun, in the query dated June 10, 2024, said what the Chief Imam did was in contrast with the undertaking he signed before he became the Chief Imam.

The query, which was signed by the palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the traditional ruler and made available to newsmen, yesterday, reads: “I refer to the earlier query issued to you with regards to your unbecoming and reprehensible conducts as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland and the need to desist from such conducts.

“However, we have been informed that you are currently in Mecca on a Holy pilgrimage without notifying the Soun. This is a clear violation of your undertaking.

“Secondly, you agreed not to appoint any surrogate during your tenure without the approval of Soun of Ogbomoso.

“Nevertheless, we have received information that you have appointed a surrogate namely Sheik Abdulrahman Alim Areo as the acting Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland, who led the Jumat Prayer of Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Central Mosque.

“This action is a direct breach of your undertakings. As the Soun of Ogbomosoland, I hereby demand that you immediately return to Ogbomoso and rectify these violations and desist from any further actions that violate the undertakings you signed on the approval of your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland.”

BUT when contacted, yesterday, for his reaction through a telephone call, the Chief Imam confirmed the development to newsmen.

Ayilara, in a strong-worded response to the query, rejected the monarch’s authority to query him, saying that the position of Chief Imam is not a traditional title that falls under the authority of the traditional ruler.

He said that he responded to the letters issued by the traditional ruler out of deep respect he has for Yoruba culture and tradition.

Ayilara, in the letter signed by his Secretary, Ogunleye Sulaimon Ajasa, insisted that as a Muslim and spiritual head of the Muslim community in Ogbomoso, he is not subjugating the rules regulating the practice of Islam to Yoruba tradition and culture.

He said: “My case is that the office of Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland is not a traditional title, and as such, it is not under the control of Soun of Ogbomosoland.

“My case against your majesty is still in court. And I strongly believe that when a matter is in court, the parties in the case must respect the authority of the court by abstaining from anything that may affect the case in court.”