Court Gives Judgement on Suit Against Soun of Ogbomosho Amid Move to Sack Chief Imam
- A top court in Ogbomosho, Oyo state, has restrained the Soun, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, from removing the chief imam of the town, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Ayilara
- Legit.ng recalls that the Soun and the Sheikh Ayilara appear not to enjoy a cordial relationship
- Oba Ghandi and the kingmakers, led by Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, were stopped from removing the religious leader following a suit filed at a high court in Ogbomosho
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering governance and public journalism.
Ogbomosho, Oyo state - An Oyo state high court in Ogbomosho has blocked the Soun, Oba Afolabi Ghandi, from removing the grand chief imam of Ogbomosholand, Sheikh Imam Yunus Teliat Ayilara II.
As reported by Vanguard newspaper on Saturday, June 29, the first-class monarch and the kingmakers, led by Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, were stopped from removing the cleric following a suit filed at the court.
Source: Twitter
The suit was filed by Registered Trustees of Ogbomoso Muslim Youths Forum against the Soun and the Soun-in-Council.
The Muslim youths alleged that the traditional ruler and the kingmakers, who are members of the Soun-in-council, were making some secret moves to sack the cleric, The Nation noted.
After analysing the case, the court — presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin — barred the traditional ruler and the Soun-in-council from removing the chief imam.
Ogbomosho chief imam's bumpy ride
Legit.ng reports that since his ascension to the position of Ogbomosho Imam, Sheikh Ayilara has had to contend with opposition from some family members and a section of indigenes.
However, the 13th chief imam of Ogbomosholand has weathered the storm so far.
Soun of Ogbomosho told to tread carefully
Adeyinka Agoro, an Oyo indigene and former head of the mass communication department at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo state, described the monarch's alleged move as "tactless".
He pointed out that Oba Ghandi ought to have factored in the sensitivity of religion in Nigeria, considering his own background too.
Agoro told Legit.ng:
"The Soun of Ogbomosho is tactless in his handling of the matter between himself and the chief imam of Ogbomosho.
"Even if he has a right to query the chief imam, he should understand that religion is a very sensitive issue in the Nigerian polity. His background as a pastor of the Redeemed Church disqualified him from the matter.
"He needs to tread carefully to avert religious strife in his domain."
More on Ogbomosho-related news
- Sacked Soun of Ogbomosho takes action after court’s removal
- Jubilation as RCCG pastor emerges Soun of Ogbomoso
- Court sacks RCCG pastor recently crowned as Soun of Ogbomosho
- Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye: List of princes who contested for Soun of Ogbomoso crown and how RCCG pastor emerged
- Ghandi Afolabi Laoye installed as Soun of Ogbomosho
Ogbomosho chief imam replies Soun's query
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Sheikh Ayilara responded firmly to a query issued by Oba Ghandi, saying that the chief imam's position is not subject to the authority of the traditional ruler.
Ayilara conveyed this stance in a letter directed to the Soun in response to the query he received, emphasising his deep respect for Yoruba culture and tradition.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
