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The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has distanced itself from a reported prayer gathering allegedly organised in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the office clarified that the respected Islamic leader was neither informed, invited nor represented at the event where his name was reportedly associated.
The statement noted that while the Grand Chief Imam appreciates Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town following his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, such engagements should be conducted with proper consultation and respect for established religious leadership structures.
According to the statement, other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were also reportedly unaware of the arrangements surrounding the prayer gathering.
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The office stressed that Islam places a high premium on accountability, consultation and respect for legitimate leadership, warning against the use of the Grand Chief Imam’s name or that of the wider Oyo Muslim community without official approval.
It further expressed concern that similar incidents had occurred in the past, involving announcements and representations made on behalf of Islamic institutions without the knowledge of recognised leadership.
The statement warned that such actions could create confusion, misrepresentation and unnecessary divisions within the Muslim community.
“The Office therefore cautions individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting, or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam when no official mandate has been given,” the statement said.
Despite the controversy, the Grand Chief Imam reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and cooperation with political leaders, religious groups and community stakeholders in the interest of Oyo State and Nigeria.
The office also called for greater respect for the traditional and religious institutions that have played vital roles in maintaining harmony and stability in Oyo Land.
— Newspot Nigeria
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Source: NewSpotNg | Read the Full Story…
