The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has officially appointed Barrister Alhaji Bilaal Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land, marking a significant moment for the Muslim community in the historic city. This appointment was confirmed through a personal letter signed by the Alaafin, expressing gratitude to Allah for bestowing this sacred responsibility.
The Alaafin emphasized that Islamic leadership demands humility, sincerity, and justice, underscoring the importance of the role not just to the people of Oyo, but in the sight of Allah.In the letter to the new Chief Imam, the Alaafin stated, “Having passed through the duly screening test, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected by me as the new Chief Imam of Oyo. The moment is not only significant for our people, but also sacred in the eyes of Allah, for leadership in Islam is a truth that demands humility, sincerity, and justice.”
He expressed heartfelt joy and prayers for the new Imam’s success, describing him as a respectable Islamic leader bestowed by Allah’s mercy.Upon accepting the appointment, Barrister Alhaji Bilaal Oseni Akinola, who is also a legal practitioner, pledged to dedicate his knowledge of Islamic doctrinal sciences and jurisprudence to serve the Muslim Ummah with integrity.
He vowed to avoid extremism and unfounded indoctrination, stating, “Oyo Town is an ancient city with historical, cultural, and religious significance. I pledge, bidhnillah, to dedicate my knowledge of Islamic doctrinal sciences and jurisprudence, coupled with sound judgment, to serve the Muslim community with integrity, avoiding fundamentalism, extremism, and baseless indoctrination.” He further committed to upholding the ethical and moral standards of Islam while meeting the expectations of the Muslim community.
The Alaafin’s office through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, noted that the letter of appointment was presented personally to the new Chief Imam, reinforcing the solemnity and tradition of the appointment process. The palace had earlier addressed rumors about a new Chief Imam appointment, reiterating that the selection is an exclusive prerogative of the Alaafin and is handled with utmost care to maintain peace and respect for tradition in Oyo.
This appointment symbolizes a harmonious blend of religious leadership and legal acumen, aimed at guiding the Oyo Muslim community with wisdom and justice, reflecting both spiritual and communal responsibility.
