By: Soji Ajibola
The delay in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo has been described as hindrance for the appointment of new Chief Imam of Oyo town.
This was made known by renowned Islamic scholars; Sheikh Muhideen Ajani Bello and Sheikh Abdulmojeed Alawaye at the 3rd edition of Faozey Oladotun Nurudeen Ramadan Lecture at Labamba Hotel, Oyo on Tuesday.
The duo in their lecture entitled Allah’s Will and Destiny Destiny, urged the Kingmakers otherwise known as Oyomesi to expedite action in the selection process.
The demise of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi and the Chief Imam of Oyo land, according to them, has made the ancient town to be without spiritual leaders.
They submitted that Chief Imam could not be appointed without enthronement of new Alaafin of Oyo and therefore, urged the Oyomesi to hearken to the plea of the sons and daughters of the land and expedite action on the selection process.
According to them, the Oyomesi should as a matter of urgency present the names of the qualified candidates before the Ifa priest who is expected in accordance with the tradition to choose the best for the people.
He said, “The people have waited for long without a king and Chief Imam. It is high time Oyomesi did the needful. The selection process has affected many things including the appointment of Chief Imam.
“Traditionally, the Chief Imam cannot be appointed before the installation of the new Alaafin of Oyo.”
Sheikh Bello also stressed the need for the electorate to downplay party politics by voting for candidate(s) based on competence.
He said the likes of Faozey have a lot to offer their communities but were deprived of the opportunities because of the kind of deceitful politics we are playing in the Country.
A renowned Islamic. scholar berated electorate for what he described as eye service.
He added that with the kind of crowd at the event, “Faozey was supposed to win the last election but our people, the Yorubas are deceitful.
“Faozey was rejected by his people just like Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the President-elect, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu who won the last presidential election in virtually all the Northern states but lost in Lagos State.
“All hope is not lost, at the appropriate time, Faozey’s ambition will be fulfilled,” he added.
In his address, Faozey, reassured the people of Oyo town of his commitment to the development of the town.
He noted that the election has come and gone but the good works continue. “I promise not to relent in putting smiles on faces of the downtrodden.
“I will continue to throw my door open to the people.”
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