According to the report from the Vanguard, The Ogbomoso Muslim Youth Forum has asserted that religious leaders are not subordinate to traditional rulers under the chieftaincy law in Oyo State. This declaration was made in response to a recent query directed at the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheik Teliat Yunus Ayilara, by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye.
In a letter dated June 10, 2024, signed by Palace Secretary Toyin Ajamu, the traditional ruler questioned the cleric for traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj without informing the palace.
The Muslim Youth Forum, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq AbdurRaheem, and made available to Vanguard on Tuesday, stated that "the chieftaincy law does not place the Chief Imam and, by extension, all religious leaders as minor chiefs under the prescribed authority of kings."
AbdurRaheem emphasized that the Chief Imam was appointed through Islamic law by a Shura committee responsible for interviewing and screening all prospective candidates. He further noted, "The Muslim community is the custodian of the Central Mosque, not the Soun or the palace," highlighting that ownership of any mosque in Islamic jurisprudence lies with the Muslim community.
Advising the traditional ruler to adhere to the court's orders pending the resolution of ongoing legal disputes, AbdurRaheem stated, "The conveners of the press conference sought to exonerate His Imperial Majesty – Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III from the saga. The Kabiyesi was misled into believing that this group of propagandists are the real leaders of Islam in Ogbomoso, despite their lack of requisite Islamic education."
AbdurRaheem recounted an incident where the Ogbomoso Muslim Youth Forum attempted to engage in dialogue with the king, only to be "unceremoniously sent out of the palace."
He also mentioned that the late Soun, Oba Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, had formed a Special Committee on Islamic Affairs led by the Aare Musulumi of Ogbomosoland to leverage the resources and influence of the community for the advancement of Islam.