Oyo Muslims Will Follow Sultan’s Leadership on Islamic Matters – Grand Chief Imam
The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has reaffirmed that Muslims in Oyo Land will continue to align with the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto on all Islamic-related matters, emphasizing unity and adherence to established religious authority.
Sheikh Akeugberu made this known on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, amid what he described as attempts by certain divisive elements to incite Muslims in Yoruba Land against the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah for political reasons. He noted that despite such efforts, Muslims in the region have remained steadfast and united.
According to the respected cleric, the Muslim community in Oyo Land remains committed to maintaining harmony and following the guidance of the Sultan of Sokoto, who is widely regarded as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria.
“The Ummah in Oyo Land will, by the will of Allah, follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters,” Sheikh Akeugberu stated.
He explained that this stance is rooted in Islamic teachings and long-standing traditions, adding that unity under a recognized authority aligns with the Sunnah as guided by the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam, who is also a legal practitioner and a former Secretary General of the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC), issued a statement from his office clarifying the process for determining the commencement of Ramadan fasting in Oyo Land.
In the statement personally signed by him, Sheikh Akeugberu announced that the Muslim community in the area would not independently declare the start of Ramadan. Instead, they would wait for the official moon-sighting announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
“The general public is hereby notified to await the official announcement from His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, regarding the commencement of the Ramadan fasting,” the statement read.
He stressed that the approach is aimed at ensuring uniformity and preventing confusion among Muslims, while reinforcing the collective identity and spiritual unity of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
