The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has firmly dismissed the assertion made by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, who claimed sole authority to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.
On Wednesday, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC’s founder and executive director, emphasized that no existing law grants the monarch exclusive power to select the Chief Imam.
The organization criticized the Alaafin’s statement, labeling it an unfounded privilege that traditional rulers in Yorubaland are increasingly misusing.
“The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, recently declared through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, that he alone holds the right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town,” Akintola stated.
“We categorically reject this claim as baseless, false, and lacking any legal foundation. The so-called exclusive right the Alaafin refers to is a groundless privilege that has been exploited by some traditional leaders in Yorubaland. The Alaafin’s statement is misleading and incomplete.”
“We challenge the Alaafin to present any legal document or statute that authorizes him to appoint the Chief Imam of the Oyo Muslim community,” Akintola added.
He further described the claim as “illogical, unreasonable, and even absurd.” He questioned, “If the Alaafin truly has the authority to appoint the Chief Imam, does that mean he also appoints the bishop of Oyo? Since he does not have such power over the bishop, it follows that he cannot claim it over the Chief Imam.”
“If the Alaafin’s claim is based on tradition, it is important to distinguish between tradition and law. Moreover, what kind of tradition restricts Muslims while granting Christians freedom? We reject any tradition that subjugates Muslims. Muslims are free individuals, not subjects to be controlled.”
Akintola urged the monarch to “understand his role and limitations to earn genuine respect,” reminding that “Nigeria operates as a democracy, not a monarchy.”
He stressed that historical privileges once enjoyed by past rulers do not translate into legal rights today. “In the past, Muslims undertook the pilgrimage to Makkah on foot, a practice now obsolete. The current Alaafin should abandon outdated customs that no longer serve the community.”
“Given his position, the Alaafin lacks the moral authority to dictate who leads the Muslims of Oyo town. He should recognize this reality and respect the feelings of his Muslim subjects. We await his demonstration of commitment to peace, justice, and fairness within his domain.”
“We reject any feudalistic mindset rooted in superiority and class distinctions. Muslims are inherently free and entitled to select their leaders without external imposition. Any attempt to force an Imam upon them is unjust and unacceptable.”
MURIC clarified that while the Alaafin may offer blessings to the Chief Imam chosen by the Muslim community, this should be seen as a ceremonial gesture acknowledging his role as the town’s monarch.
“The Muslim community in Oyo town should engage with the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella body representing Islamic organizations across Yorubaland, to present a single candidate for the Chief Imam position,” the group advised.
“This candidate should be formally endorsed with an official letter clearly stating the Imam’s name to prevent any manipulation. The Alaafin’s blessing is not a prerequisite for appointment but rather a respectful notification.”
“To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, Your Imperial Majesty, you reign over all inhabitants of Oyo-Muslims, Christians, and traditionalists alike. Each community independently selects its leaders. No law grants you exclusive authority to appoint the Chief Imam. If you do not appoint the bishop, how can you appoint the Imam? We urge you to uphold our dignity. Respect is reciprocal,” MURIC concluded.
