The Vice-chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao has appealed to the Muslim Rights Concern(MURIC) to sheathe sword over the Chief Imam in Ogbomosoland controversy.
He also cautioned the people fanning the ember of crisis to desist else they will regret their actions.
The monarch in a personally signed statement said the concern of MURIC on the matter is well noted but cautioned against inflammatory statement.
He stated that various stakeholders in Ogbomoso are on top of the issue. Ogbomoso is a peaceful place with people of different religious beliefs cohabiting in love.
“As a major stakeholder in Ogbomoso Zone, and the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, I can confirm that stakeholders in Ogbomoso land are working hard to ensure that the Muslim community in Ogbomoso is not allowed to be divided.
“I am assuring MURIC and other Nigerians having concern on the ugly development that we will not sit by and allow promotion of division in Ogbomoso Muslim community.
“Besides, there is a pending suit on the matter in the court of law which means that Sheik Ayilara remains the Chief Imam except the court decides otherwise.
“I call on those fanning embers of division to desist, otherwise, they will meet their waterloo.
“As a foremost traditional ruler, I am fully aware that monarchs do not have executive power over Chief Imams or other religious leaders. Our roles over religious groups, associations and others in our kingdoms are advisory. Only the government has the constitutional right to remove a properly installed religious leader, and such decision must follow constitutional process.
“As Obas, we are custodians of our culture and traditions, rightly promoting our values and heritage. Traditional rulers in Oyo State are not partisan on religious affairs.
“Aside community leaders, the Oyo State Government does not interfere in religious issues. It is fair to both Muslim and Christian communities.
“Traditional rulers should be guided so they won’t fan the ember of division in their kingdoms. We should stand on the path of truth.
“I, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, stand with the only Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara. Let him continue to perform his duties as the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso because he is the one chosen by the Muslim community.
“MURIC and all Muslim stakeholders have no reason to worry because there is a pending lawsuit on the issue, and stakeholders in Ogbomoso are with the Chief Imam Talihat Yunus Olushina Ayilara.”
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Panic buying as NNPC adjusts pump price of petrol N855 per litre