Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate

Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate

 

OYO – The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has distanced himself from a recent prayer gathering reportedly organised in Oyo Town in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic leader said he was neither informed, invited nor represented at the event where his name was allegedly associated with the gathering.

The statement noted that while the Grand Chief Imam appreciated Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town and acknowledged his expression of gratitude to Allah and the people of Oyo State following his emergence as the APC flag bearer, such engagements should be conducted with proper consultation and respect for established religious leadership.

According to the statement, other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were also reportedly unaware of the prayer programme.

“The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Bilal Akinola Akeugberu, was neither informed, invited, nor represented at any prayer gathering where his name was reportedly associated with the event,” the statement said.

The office of the cleric stressed that Islam places significant importance on accountability, consultation and respect for legitimate leadership, warning against the use of the names of religious leaders and institutions without prior communication and approval.

It further expressed concern that the incident was not an isolated case, alleging that there had been previous instances in which announcements and representations involving Islamic institutions were made without the knowledge of the recognised leadership.

The statement warned that such actions could create confusion and misrepresentation within the Muslim community.

Consequently, the office cautioned individuals and organisations against impersonating or falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam without official authorisation.

“The Office therefore cautions individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting, or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam when no official mandate has been given,” the statement added.

Despite the controversy, the Grand Chief Imam reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and collaboration with political leaders, religious organisations and community stakeholders for the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

The statement also called for greater respect for traditional and religious institutions in Oyo Land, noting that such structures have played vital roles in maintaining peace, harmony and social stability in the ancient town.

Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate