Council Of Muslim Clerics Reaffirm Support For Grand Imam Of Ogbomoso, Taliat Ayilara

*Call For Unity, Justice, Protection Of Islamic Leadership

The Council of Muslim Clerics in Oyo State has reiterated their support for the Grand Imam of Ogbomosoland, Dr. Taliat Ayilara following the current tensions occasioned by the pronouncement by an Islamic group, Rabitat Aimoh group in matters concerning the Chief Imamship tussle.

The Council, which represents scholars, community leaders, youth bodies, and Muslim organizations across the Southwest, described the Chief Imam, Dr. Ayilara as a man of proven integrity, sincerity, and dedication to the spiritual and communal development of the Muslim Ummah.

The Council described Rabitat Aimoh as undue influence and actions motivated by external objectives and not of the true interest of Islamic leadership. It emphasized that ‎Rabitat Aimoh has no constitutional, traditional, or religious mandate to appoint, impose, or remove a Chief Imam in any city.

“‎The Council of Muslim Clerics in Oyo State, representing scholars, community leaders, youth bodies, and Muslim organizations across the Southwest, hereby issues this official statement to reaffirm our unwavering support for the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, a man of proven integrity, sincerity, and dedication to the spiritual and communal development of the Muslim Ummah.

“‎The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso has demonstrated exemplary leadership, guided by Islamic principles, sincerity of purpose, and fairness in all his dealings. The current tensions surrounding his office are not a result of any misconduct on his part, but rather stem from his refusal to compromise the truth and his loyalty to members of the Muslim community who once contested for the Ogbomoso throne.

‎”It must be emphasized that expressing support for fellow Muslims who pray behind him, stand with him in faith, and share in Islamic brotherhood is not a crime. It is a reflection of the unity, compassion, and solidarity that Islam upholds.

“‎We are fully aware of the undue influence and actions of the Rabitat Aimoh group in matters concerning the Chief Imam. Their recent involvement aligns more with external motives than with the true interest of Islamic leadership. We state unequivocally that:

“Rabitat Aimoh has no constitutional, traditional, or religious mandate to appoint, impose, or remove a Chief Imam in any city.

‎”The authority to oversee Islamic leadership within a community lies with the recognized Muslim community structures, scholars, and faithful, not with any association attempting to operate beyond its scope.

‎”Any attempt to undermine Islamic leadership through division, secrecy, and manipulation contradicts the teachings of Islam and cannot be justified under any circumstances.

‎”Muslims across Oyo State and the Southwest understand these realities clearly, and we reject any move designed to destabilize our religious harmony.

“‎We urge all Muslims in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and across Yorubaland to remain calm and united. Let us refuse to be divided by actions motivated by personal interests rather than Islamic values.

‎”We encourage the Muslim Ummah to stand firmly with the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, a leader whose honesty and devotion have never been in question. We must protect our institutions from any interference that seeks to weaken the unity and dignity of the Muslim community.

‎”Truth is timeless, and justice shall prevail. Those who disguise their intentions under the cloak of defending Islam, while working against its unity, will inevitably be exposed.

‎”The Council of Muslim Clerics in Oyo State stands together with one voice to defend the truth, ‎protect our spiritual leaders, uphold the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and preserve the dignity of Islam in Yorubaland.

‎”We assure the Chief Imam of our full support spiritually, morally, and communally. The hour of justice is near, and the strength of Islam will continue to shine through truth and righteousness,” the statement reads.