Soun queries the Chief Imam for undertaking Hajj without the traditional ruler’s consent

The query letter the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, sent to the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Shiek Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara, for failing to seek his permission before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia has added to a new twist to the face-off between the duo.

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

Sheik Olusina Ayilara was one of the pilgrims from Nigeria who performed the 1445 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

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

The monarch, in the letter dated 10th June 2024, said that what the Chief Imam did was in contrast with the undertaking he signed before he became the Chief Imam.

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

“I refer to the earlier query issued to you with regard to your unbecoming and reprehensible conduct as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland and the need to desist from such conduct.

“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 undertakings you signed on the approval of your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland,” the letter reads.

When Vanguard reached out to the Imam through a telephone call, he confirmed the development to journalists.

He noted that it was not the first time the Soun would issue him a query.

“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,” he said.