Uphold Qur’an and Hadith, Alaafin charges newly installed Oyo Chief Imam

Uphold Qur’an and Hadith, Alaafin charges newly installed Oyo Chief Imam

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has turbaned Alhaji Bilaan Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land. The ceremony was held on Thursday at the Alaafin’s residence in the Boroboro area of Oyo town.

Akinola’s appointment followed a thorough screening process conducted by the palace. Born on April 15, 1965, he is the son of Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado of the Imam Ogunbado compound, Akeugberu, Oyo.

The new Chief Imam holds an LLB from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1992), and studied at the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan, in 1987. He undertook professional tutelage with Barrister Niyi Badmus & Co. in Ibadan between 1995 and 2000. He also worked as a prepayment officer and handled legal correspondences within the Federal Public Service, serving at the defunct NEPA and later the PHCN.

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Speaking on his vision, Akinola said he would focus on strengthening adherence to the Qur’an and the Hadith, rather than introducing new doctrines.

“Islam is complete and has been complete for centuries. My role is to ensure that our members align with the dictates of the Qur’an,” he said.

He called for unity within the Muslim community, urging an end to bigotry and ethnic sentiments, and also reminded public office holders of their duty to serve with integrity.

“Public office is a trust from Allah, not an opportunity for personal gain. Leaders must prioritise the welfare of the people at all times,” he advised.

The Alaafin urged Muslims in Oyo land to support the new Chief Imam as he assumes leadership of the central mosque.

Uphold Qur’an and Hadith, Alaafin charges newly installed Oyo Chief Imam