"Alaafin Remains Only Institutionalized Authority To Appoint Chief Imam In Oyoland" - New Chief Imam, Akinola-Oseni

The new Chief Iman of Oyoland, Alhaji (Barr.) Bilaal Akinola-Oseni (Ogunbado Akewugberu), has affirmed that Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abombola Akeem Owoade, remained the statutory institutional authority to appoint Chief Imam.

This is coming less than 48 hours of his emergence as the new Islamic leader of the ancient community and his triumphant entry into Oyo town.

Akinola Oseni, who made this known while addressing newsmen on the sideline of the presentation of Appointment Letter by Oba Owoade at the Alaafin Palace, said the position is in line with Islamic injuction where Kings were made the supreme leader.

The new Chief Imam explained that the traditional rulers derived their authority from God and the religous leaders must subject themselves to their dictates.

He added that as Oyo Town is concerned, they will continue to follow that spiritual injuction and directive in the appointment of Chief Imam by the Alaafin.

"Oba remains the only institutionalized authority because they derived their authority from God unlike the political leaders who derived their authority from the constitution and that is why they are being referred to as constituted authority.

"I'm not appointed to compliment our reverred Baba, The Alaafin of Oyoland but to support him because in Oyoland, while I am not talking about another town but in Oyo town our motto remains TI OBA LASE

"Our father is a lover of peace, so I will also ensure there is peaceful coexistence among all residents of Oyoland regardless of their religous beliefs

"Whoever that wants to lead must be ready to take instructions from the suprerior authority and that is my belief as stated in the holy book

According to him, he is ready to follow the directives of the Alaafin in line with the dictates of the Quaran.

The New Chief Imam, however, said he has reached out to other contestantS for the apex islamic position in the community and they have also pledged to give him the maximum support on that exalted seat.

"Barely two hours after my emergence, I have reached out to all my brothers whom we contested for the position and they are ready to give their support towards the successful reign in office

"We are all from the same Akewugberu family, a big family at that and our forebearers are very united and we their offsprings will follow suit to remain a united and indivisble lineage

Speaking on his emergence as new Chief Imam of Oyo town, he said "I was overwhelmed because it is a rare priviledge Allah has given me to serve in this capacity

"Whichever position anyone attain in life, God has given such a grace to out of many who are also eminently qualified to occupy such post, for this singular reason I am happy and continue to be happy in doing the job of my creator in this capacity

"I expressed my appreciation to Our Baba for finding me worthy for this reverred and exalted position, also to my family members and the entire people of Oyo land for their massive show of love especially the rousy welcome they gave to me", he concluded.