Soun Queries Chief Imam for Undertaking Hajj Without Traditional Ruler’s Consent

June 27, 2024

In a surprising development, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, has reprimanded the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Shiek Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, for failing to seek the traditional ruler’s permission before embarking on Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Recalls that the traditional has been at loggerheads with the chief Iman for the past few months.

The Chief Imam was among the pilgrims from Nigeria who performed the 1445 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

Soun, in the query, claimed that the Chief Imam did not inform him before he embarked on the journey.

The traditional ruler in the letter dated 10th June 2024, said that what the Chief Imam did was in contrast with the undertaking he signed before he attained his present status.

The query made available to newsmen yesterday was signed by the Palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the traditional ruler.

The letter reads: “I refer to the earlier query issued to you with regards to your unbecoming and reprehensible conducts as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland and the need to desist from such conducts.

“You will recall that on your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland you signed an undertaking and agreement which you agreed will be binding on you.

“In the said undertaking, you unequivocally undertook to inform the Soun of Ogbomoso before traveling outside Ogbomoso.

“However, we have been informed that you are currently in Mecca on a Holy pilgrimage without notifying the Soun. This is a clear violation of your undertaking.

“Secondly, you agreed not to appoint any surrogate during your tenure without the approval of His Royal Majesty, Soun of Ogbomoso.

“Nevertheless, we have received information that you have appointed a surrogate namely Sheik Abdulrahman Alim Areo as the acting Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland, who led the Jumat Prayer of Friday, 7th June, 2024 of the Central Mosques.

“This action is a direct breach of your undertakings. As the Soun of Ogbomosoland, I hereby demand that you immediately return to Ogbomoso and rectify these violations and desist from any further actions that violate the the undertakings you signed on the approval of your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland.”

When contacted for his reaction through a telephone call, the Chief Imam confirmed the development to newsmen.

He noted that this was not the first time the monarch would issue him a query.

He said: “Yes. That is what I am confirming for you. He has issued some queries to me in the past. I will send you the documents.

“This time, he issued the query to me that I didn’t inform him before going to Saudi Arabia.”