Alaafin Turbans Lawyer As New Chief Imam of Oyo land

Alaafin Turbans Lawyer as New Chief Imam of Oyo Land

The ancient city of Oyo witnessed a historic moment as His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, turbaned Barrister Alhaji Bilaan Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.

The ceremony, held at the Alaafin’s residence in Boroboro, was not merely a religious appointment but a symbolic fusion of law, faith, and tradition.

Barrister Akinola’s journey to this revered position reflects a blend of intellectual pursuit and spiritual devotion. Born on April 15, 1965, into the respected Imam Ogunbado compound in Akeugberu, Oyo, he is the son of Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado. His academic path took him through the Arabic Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan in 1987, where he deepened his Islamic scholarship, and later to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his LLB in 1992. His professional career included tutelage under Barrister Niyi Badmus & Co. in Ibadan, as well as service in the Federal Public Service at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), later Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

The Alaafin’s spokesperson, Bode Durojaiye, emphasized that Akinola’s selection followed due screening, underscoring the seriousness with which the custodians of Oyo’s religious leadership approach such appointments.

In his inaugural address, the new Chief Imam made clear that his mission is not to innovate but to preserve. He stressed strict adherence to the Qur’an and Hadith, reminding the faithful that Islam has been complete for centuries and requires no additions. His call for unity within the Muslim Ummah was particularly poignant, urging an end to ethnic divisions and bigotry.

Beyond spiritual guidance, Akinola’s words carried a strong moral undertone directed at governance. He reminded public officials that leadership is a trust from Allah, not a platform for personal gain, and insisted that the welfare of the people must remain paramount. This message resonates deeply in a society grappling with issues of accountability and integrity in public service.

The Alaafin himself urged all Muslims in Oyo land to rally behind the new Chief Imam, signaling the monarch’s commitment to strengthening the religious fabric of his domain.

The turbaning of a lawyer as Chief Imam is a powerful statement about the evolving nature of leadership in Oyo: a recognition that modern education and professional experience can coexist with spiritual authority.

This appointment is more than ceremonial; it is a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and modernity in Yoruba society. By entrusting a man of both legal and religious training with such a sacred role, Oyo land has reaffirmed its dedication to faith, justice, and unity.

The new Chief Imam’s vision, rooted in scripture, accountability, and communal harmony, offers hope for a future where religion continues to serve as a moral compass for both leaders and the led.