Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers

Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers

 

The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland has drawn a battle line against the alleged politicisation of the revered Islamic institution, warning politicians, bloggers and social media commentators to stop using the Imam’s name, image or perceived position to promote partisan interests.

 

The office, in a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, declared that the Grand Chief Imam was neither a political actor nor available to any politician, political party or interest group seeking endorsement, mobilisation or political leverage.

The warning, signed by the Secretary of the Office of the Grand Chief Imam, Sulaimon Ogunleye, came amid what the office described as “recent attempts” by certain media organisations, internet bloggers, political actors and their associates to drag the revered office into partisan political activities.

 

The office said the Grand Chief Imam occupied a spiritual position above political affiliations and was a father to the entire community, irrespective of party, ideology or individual political preference.

 

It stressed that his primary responsibility was to provide spiritual guidance, counsel, prayers and moral leadership to the Ummah and society.

 

Consequently, the office declared that its position on partisan politics remained “uncompromisingly neutral.”

 

‘Nobody should drag Imam into politics’

 

In a stern message to politicians and their associates, the office warned against attributing political endorsements or directives to the Grand Chief Imam.

 

It maintained that while individual members of the community remained free to support whichever candidate they preferred, such personal choices must not be presented as the position of the Grand Chief Imam.

 

The office also urged citizens to approach the forthcoming elections as responsible voters by scrutinising candidates, interrogating their records and promises, demanding accountability and making their choices freely at the polls.

 

“Every citizen has the right to support and vote for the candidate of his or her choice; however, no individual or political interest has the right to attribute such political choices to the Grand Chief Imam or his Office,” it stated.

 

‘Stop using Imam’s image, statements for political purposes’

 

The office subsequently issued a direct cease-and-desist warning to media organisations, bloggers, political actors, social media commentators and other individuals.

 

They were warned against using the Grand Chief Imam’s name, image, statements or perceived position for political purposes.

 

The office also condemned the alleged publication and circulation of fabricated statements, photographs, videos and other materials capable of creating what it described as a false impression that the Imam or his office had endorsed a candidate or political party.

 

It further warned against exploiting the revered office for political influence, leverage or personal clout.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, no political endorsement should be attributed to the Grand Chief Imam,” the statement declared.

 

Defamation: Imam’s office threatens fresh legal action

 

The office took the warning a step further, declaring that the latest statement should not be interpreted as a mere expression of displeasure.

 

According to the statement, the office had, a few weeks earlier, issued another warning over alleged defamatory publications by certain bloggers.

 

It claimed that following the earlier intervention, legal proceedings were instituted and several persons were currently facing prosecution before the courts.

 

Against that background, the office described Tuesday’s warning as a “final and unequivocal” notice.

 

It warned that anyone or any organisation that knowingly publishes, circulates or disseminates what the office considers false, defamatory or malicious material concerning the Grand Chief Imam or his office would face civil and criminal proceedings without further notice.

 

The office also vowed to identify and preserve evidence against alleged offenders, report them to relevant authorities and pursue prosecution, including individuals operating anonymously or through digital platforms.

 

‘Don’t turn Ogbomoso’s religious institutions into political battlegrounds’

 

The Grand Chief Imam also appealed for calm and unity among the people of Ogbomosoland as political activities intensify ahead of the forthcoming elections.

 

The office warned that political differences must not be allowed to tear the community apart or turn sacred institutions into instruments of partisan competition.

 

“The people are free to choose their leaders,” the statement declared.

 

However, it stressed that the Office of the Grand Chief Imam would remain above partisan politics.

 

The public was therefore urged to disregard any purported political endorsement, statement or directive attributed to the Grand Chief Imam unless officially issued by the appropriate office.

 

The office reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice, responsible citizenship and the spiritual and social wellbeing of the people of Ogbomosoland, while praying for Allah’s continued guidance and ease in the affairs of the community.

 

Keep Politics Out of My Office — Ogbomoso Grand Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers