No Law Gives You Exclusive Right To Appoint Chief Imam – MURIC To Alaafin
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the claim by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, that he has the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.
In a statement on Thursday, MURIC’s founder and executive director, Ishaq Akintola, said that no law gives the monarch such power.
According to him, “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the chief imam of Oyo town.
“The claim was contained in a statement issued by Alaafin’s director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
“We reject this statement. It is false, baseless and without any legal backing. What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Alaafin is being economical with the truth.”
Akintola challenged the monarch to produce a legal instrument backing his claim, describing it as “illogical, irrational and laughable”.
“If he has the power to appoint the chief imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo?” he asked.
Akintola argued that Owoade, being a pastor, has “no moral right to dictate who should lead the Muslims in Oyo”.
He said the Muslim community of Oyo should consult the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) before presenting a candidate for the role, stressing that the Alaafin’s blessing is “not mandatory”.
“Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you the exclusive right to choose the chief imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the bishop. If you cannot pick the bishop, how can you pick the imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect,” MURIC said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
