Oyo Grand Chief Imam distances self from prayer gathering for APC governorship candidate

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has dissociated the revered Islamic leader from a reported prayer gathering organised in honour of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State, stressing that neither the Chief Imam nor other recognised Muslim leaders in Oyo Land were informed or represented at the event.

In a statement issued on June 17, 2026, by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the office clarified that while the Chief Imam appreciates Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town and his gesture of gratitude to Almighty Allah following his emergence as the APC flag bearer, proper consultation and respect for established religious leadership must always be observed.

Sultan of Sokoto and Chief Imam of Oyoland

The statement noted that the Grand Chief Imam was neither invited to, nor consulted about the reported prayer session where his name was allegedly associated with the event. It further stated that several other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were equally unaware of the gathering.

According to the statement, Islam places a premium on accountability, consultation and respect for legitimate leadership structures, warning that the names of the Grand Chief Imam and the Oyo Muslim community should not be used in connection with any activity without due approval and communication.

“It has become necessary to clarify that the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Bilal Akinola Akeugberu, was neither informed, invited nor represented at any prayer gathering where his name was reportedly associated with the event,” the statement said.

The office expressed concern that the incident was not an isolated case, alleging that there had been previous instances where announcements and representations involving Islamic institutions were made without the knowledge or consent of recognised religious authorities.

It warned that such actions could create confusion, misrepresentation and unnecessary divisions within the Muslim community.

Consequently, the office cautioned individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam without an official mandate.

The statement reaffirmed the commitment of Sheikh Akeugberu to fostering unity, peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with political leaders, religious bodies and community organisations for the advancement of Oyo State and Nigeria.

The office also urged stakeholders to respect the traditional and religious institutions that have played critical roles in maintaining peace, stability and harmony across Oyo Land.

It maintained that preserving the integrity of established religious structures remains essential to sustaining mutual trust and cohesion within the community.

The clarification comes amid growing discussions surrounding the reported prayer gathering and underscores the importance of transparency, consultation and adherence to recognised leadership channels in religious and community affairs.