Agunbiade Hails Selection of Barrister Bilaah as New Grand Imam of Oyo
A prominent member of the Oyo State Muslim community, Ambassador Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has congratulated Barrister Bilal Akinola Husayn Akeugberu, popularly known as Barrister Bilaah, on his selection as the new Grand Imam of Oyo.
In a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday, Agunbiade described the appointment as “well-deserved and divinely inspired,” praising the cleric’s scholarship, piety and longstanding service to the Muslim community.
He also commended the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abdul Hakeem Owoade Elewuetu I, for what he called a “thoughtful and visionary decision rooted in fairness and true leadership.”
Agunbiade recalled that he had previously appealed to the monarch in an August 8, 2025 article urging him to choose a scholar with integrity and strong moral standing as the next Grand Imam.
“Alhamdulillah! I heartily congratulate Sheikh Al Imam Barrister Bilaah Oseni Akinola on this most deserved selection,” he said. “May Allah bless his leadership in the service of Islam and humanity.”
He further thanked the Alaafin for listening to the concerns of the Muslim community and for his continued commitment to religious harmony and intellectual leadership in Oyo.
According to him, the monarch’s decision “will strengthen unity among Muslims and inspire the younger generation.”
Agunbiade urged Muslim groups, scholars and residents of Oyo to support the new Grand Imam and work collectively for peace and community development.
