In his response, the Chief Imam asserted the autonomy of his office, emphasising that it operates independently of traditional authority, and thus, does not require prior approval or notification for his religious obligations.
The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, has responded to the query issued by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, regarding his participation in the Hajj pilgrimage without prior notification.
In his response, the Chief Imam asserted the autonomy of his office, emphasising that it operates independently of traditional authority, and thus, does not require prior approval or notification for his religious obligations.
Chief Imam Ayilara, who had filed a legal case contesting the Soun's interference in the appointment and removal of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso land, emphasised that his role is governed by Islamic principles rather than traditional norms.
He argued, "Kabiesi, it is on record that I filed a case in court to challenge the interference of your majesty in the appointment and removal of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land.
“My case is that the office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Land is not a traditional title and as such it is not under the control of the Soun... However, as a Muslim and Spiritual Head of the Muslim Community in Ogbomoso Land, I am not subjugating the rules regulating the practice of Islam to Yoruba tradition and culture. It is a collective right of all Muslims."
The ongoing feud between the Soun of Ogbomoso and Chief Imam Sheikh Ayilara has its roots in a legal dispute that began when Ayilara sued the monarch and the Soun In-Council to challenge their attempts to remove him from his position as Grand Chief Imam.
Ayilara, who was installed in November 2021 under the previous Soun, claims his appointment was legitimate and in accordance with Islamic principles, having been sanctioned by the Surah committee of Ogbomoso's Muslim community.
However, the dispute escalated after the new Soun's ascension to the throne in September 2023, who contested Ayilara's continued tenure as Chief Imam.
Ayilara's legal action, filed at the Oyo State High Court, aims to secure his position and highlights a significant conflict between religious independence and traditional authority in Ogbomoso.
Through his lawsuit, Ayilara emphasises the need for adherence to Islamic principles in the appointment of Imams and seeks judicial intervention to safeguard against what he considers an unlawful attempt by the Soun and his council to remove him from office, underscoring the importance of upholding religious autonomy in the face of traditional authority.