His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, on Saturday officially turbaned and inaugurated Barrister (Alhaji) Bilaal Husayn Akinola Ogunbado Akewugberu as the new Grand Chief Imam of Oyo.

Standard Times Nigeria recalls that the revered monarch had earlier announced his appointment on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, following a rigorous and transparent screening process that commenced months before the emergence of a new Islamic leader for the ancient town.

During the ceremony, the Alaafin congratulated the new spiritual leader, praying that Almighty Allah guides him with wisdom, justice, and divine clarity. The monarch described the appointment as a turning point for Islamic leadership in Oyo, emphasizing that the process was deliberate, transparent, and merit-based.

Oba Owoade appealed to all sons and daughters of Oyo to support the new Grand Chief Imam, work harmoniously with him, and uphold the unity and dignity of the Muslim ummah. He stressed that religious leadership must remain sacred and devoid of personal influence, reaffirming his commitment to protecting the integrity of Islamic institutions in the kingdom.

Deputy Governor Praises Alaafin’s Transparency

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, congratulated the Alaafin on what he described as a “historic and remarkably fair” selection process. He noted that the presence of all screened nominees at the turbaning ceremony was a clear testament to the credibility and openness of the entire exercise.

“I was deeply encouraged when I learned that every nominee who participated in the screening attended today’s event. This alone shows a process grounded in transparency and fairness,” he said.

Barrister Lawal urged the new Grand Chief Imam to use both his legal training and Arabic scholarship to promote unity, guide the Muslim community, and strengthen moral values across Oyo. He assured the continued support of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for all initiatives that foster peace and religious harmony in the state.

The Deputy Governor further applauded the Alaafin for setting a rare example in religious leadership selection, describing the monarch as a custodian of justice whose actions continue to elevate Oyo’s reputation across Yorubaland.

Professor Alaro Commends Merit-Based Selection

Delivering his lecture, Professor Abdulmajeed Alaro expressed gratitude to the Alaafin for institutionalizing a transparent, merit-driven selection process, something he described as increasingly rare in modern society.

“We live in a time when many believe leadership positions can only be bought. Yet, His Imperial Majesty has proven that credibility, competence, and character still matter,” he said.

He encouraged the new Imam to work closely with the Alaafin in strengthening Islamic unity across Oyo and the entire Yorubaland.

Prof. Alaro also urged the state government to actively involve religious and traditional leaders in community security efforts, noting that they are closest to local residents and better positioned to identify strange movements and suspicious individuals.

Chief Imam of Ogbomosho Salutes Alaafin

Speaking during his lecture at Aganju Forecourt, the Chief Imam of Ogbomosho land, Dr. Yunus Taliat Olushina Ayilara II, PhD, praised the Alaafin for what he described as “an uncommon and exemplary selection process, the first of its kind in Yorubaland.”

He noted that the decision of the Alaafin to allow the Muslim community to independently screen all nominees and present the most qualified candidate without interference was a powerful demonstration of integrity and leadership.

“His Majesty never questioned the judgment of the Muslim committee. This alone shows his deep understanding that religious matters must never be influenced by personal interest. The process was free, fair, and divinely guided,” he said.

Dr. Ayilara urged critics of the process to seek Allah’s forgiveness, stressing that no individual collected a kobo throughout the screening and selection. He congratulated the people of Oyo and the entire Yorubaland for the emergence of a credible and widely accepted Grand Chief Imam and encouraged them to support him wholeheartedly.

Dignitaries Grace Historic Ceremony

The turbaning and inauguration ceremony, held at the Aganju Forecourt of the Alaafin’s Palace, attracted dignitaries from across Southwest Nigeria. Attendees included:

Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Are Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo & Delta, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, Hon. (Prince) Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, representing Oyo Federal Constituency, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Representative of Senator Yunus Akintunde, Chief Imam of Ogbomosho, Dr. Yunus Taliat Olushina Ayilara II, PhD, Alhaji Lamidi Monsur Ayoade (Alhaji Ejde), Representatives of Chief Imams from Ibadan, Ilora, Awe, Akinmorin, and Iseyin, Dr. Yusuf Adepoju (ACADIP), Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, among others.

Royal fathers in attendance included the Onan Onibode of Igboho, Okere of Shaki, Onifiditi of Fiditi, Akibio of Ilora, Oloko of Oko, Eleyin of Ipapo, and Onitede of Tede.