Image caption: Chief Imam Ogbomoso Imam Dr Toliat Ayilara
Ogbomoso Chief Imam crisis: Oyo govt warns parties against inciting violence
Khalid ABRAHAM
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The Oyo state government has issued a stern warning to the parties involved in the crisis tearing the Muslim community apart in Ogbomoso declaring unequivocally that anyone whose unguarded outbursts cause breakdown of law and order will face the full wrath of the law.
This warning is contained in a letter dated April 5, signed by the Executive Assistant to Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde on Project Monitoring, Engr Muftau Open Salawu, and addressed separately to the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso Imam Toliat Ayilara, and the League of Imams and Alfas, the leading protagonists in the imbroglio.
The terse letter sighted by ogbomosoinsightonline.com cautions the parties to maintain peace and avoid engaging in actions that could cause breach of tranquility.
It is noted the government is looking into the matter to find permanent solution and so would not tolerate further incitement from any quarters warning of severe consequences against anyone found culpable.
The letter reads, “The current situation has unfortunately led to increased tension and animosity within our community. The government is taking proactive measures to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-blown crisis,” the letter began.
“In light of this, we kindly request that you refrain from making public comment that could potentially inflame or exacerbate the situation. Comprehensive actions are being Implemented to address the issue and provide a lasting solution.
“All parties involved are expected to maintain peace and order. We caution that anyone found to be breaching the law in inciting violence will face decisi ve action from the authorities.”
Recall that for over a year now a crisis of immense proportion has engulfed the Muslim ummah in the ancient community over a petition by the Ayilara family whose turn it is to produce the Chief Imam alleging that Imam Toliat Ayilara who was installed in 2021 was not a bonafide member of the family implying that his occupatio
n of the position amounts to usurpation thereby seeking his removal.
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This position led to bickerings with various individuals and groups taking sides. The League of Imams and Alfas in the city led by the Parakoyi Adinni, Alhaji Sirajudeen and some prominent Islamic leaders like the Aare Musulumi Ogbomoso, Alhaji Abdulganiy Owodunni pitched tent with the Ayilara family while the Imam Toliat also has his supporters.
A petition was also submitted to the Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, by the aggrieved party. The Soun set up an investigation panel which recommended Toliat Ayilara steps aside for him to resolve the difference with his supposed family.
This directive however drew the ire of the Imam and his supporters leading to the Imam regularly hurling invectives against the monarch and members of the League of Imams and Alfas.
Peace has remained elusive and a recent accusation by the Chief Imam against the Christian community of instigating the crisis has opened a new front with tension now rising between members of the two religions.
Thursday, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ogbomoso zone, addressed a press conference on the accusation urging the Imam from further making divisive statements capable of igniting religious conflicts.
The matter meanwhile is in court.
