The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, has advised the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to embrace peace over the controversy generated by the appointment of the Chief Imam of the Palace of Ogbomosoland.
The traditional ruler, who is the Vice Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, stated this in a press release issued on Tuesday.
The advice followed the spate of criticism by MURIC over the appointment, last Friday, of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Iman by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye.
While stating that the concern by MURIC on the controversy was well noted, Oba Alao urged the Islamic body to sheathe its sword. He assured that various stakeholders in Ogbomosoland were on top of the issue.
The Olugbon stated: “My attention and those of elders and critical stakeholders in Ogbomoso has been drawn to the MURIC’s criticism of the appointment of Habib Ayilara as the Palace Chief Imam by His Royal Majesty Oba Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun of Ogbomoso, on Friday.
“MURIC’s concern on the controversy is well noted. I, however, urge MURIC to sheathe its sword as various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love.
“As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone and as the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomosoland are working hard to ensure that the Muslim Community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided.
“I am assuring MURIC and other Nigerians having concern on the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow the promotion of division in Ogbomoso Muslim Community.
“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam, except the court decides otherwise.
“I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their Waterloo,” Olugbon warned.
Oba Alao further stated that, as a foremost traditional ruler, he was fully aware that traditional rulers do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders.
“Our roles over religious groups, associations and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such decision must follow constitutional process.
“As obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in Oyo State are not partisan on religious affairs.
“Aside community leaders, the Oyo State government does not interfere in religious issues. It is fair to both Muslim and Christian communities.
“Traditional rulers should be guided so they won’t fan the ember of division in their kingdoms. We should stand on the path of truth.
“I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.
“MURIC and all Muslim stakeholders have no reason to worry because there is a pending lawsuit on the issue, and stakeholders in Ogbomoso are with the Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara,” Oba Alao added.
