NSCIA wades into Soun of Ogbomoso, Chief Imam’s face-off, states next line of action
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has acted on the raging face-off between the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Teliat Ayilara.
The two influential figures from Ogbomoso, Southwest Nigeria, have been engaged in a heated dispute, with the monarch alleging disobedience by the chief imam.
The palace recently summoned the religious leader for questioning after he undertook the Hajj pilgrimage without seeking the monarch’s permission, sparking tensions between the two.
Unveiling its position for the first time, the apex Muslim body in Nigeria, at its 9th Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) meeting held at the National Mosque in Abuja, agreed to set up a committee under the Secretary-General to look into dispute and report back to the Council.
No specific timeline was given in a communique signed by Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, CON, FNAL, Secretary-General for and on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
Recall that the Muslim community in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria, earlier raised concerns over the tension surrounding the Imamship tussle in Ogbomoso and the religious crisis that occurred during the last Eid-ul-Adha (Ileya) festival.
According to the community, these developments pose a significant threat to the peace and stability of the state.
In a statement signed by Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni (Chairman) and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade (Secretary), the Muslim community warned that the situation is volatile, likening it to “sitting on a keg of gunpowder.”
They urged Governor Seyi Makinde, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to take proactive measures to prevent a potential security breach.
