A deepening crisis is threatening the peace and stability of Ogbomoso, as the alleged actions of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Pastor Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, is sparking tensions within the Muslim community in Ogbomosoland.
According to a statement signed by Alhaji (Chief) Akintoye AbdusSalam Olla
Chairman, Ogbomoso Muslim Community the controversy is fueled by a disputed Imamship which has seen the monarch attempting to remove the widely respected Grand Chief Imam, Dr Teliat Yunus Ayilara II, despite two court injunctions restraining such action.
According to the statement, “The Palace’s continued intimidation and violence have escalated the situation, with reports of plans to:
“Hijack the Central Mosque using military force. Forcefully remove the Grand Chief Imam.
Use the old Eid ground as a makeshift mosque for the newly turbanned ‘Palace Imam’, threby sparking anarchy.”
The statement also said that
Oba Ghandi’s provocative actions include:
“Refusal to advise family dissidents to approach the Court of Law to prove their allegations. Encouraging rebellion and making the palace available as a studio of sorts for recording provocative videos and casting aspersions on the personality of the Grand Chief Imam, Dr. Teliat Yunus, in flagrant disregard to the peace agreement facilitated by the Chairman, Ogbomoso North Local Government and the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters which advocated maintaining status quo.
” Fuelling rebellion by mobilising palace chiefs, with his paraphernalia, as his representatives to a parallel Eid ground during Eidul Fitr celebration in open disdain to the gentleman agreement not to hold parallel ‘Eid prayer reached at the residence of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola, in the presence of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal and all Heads of security agencies in Oyo State.
” Issuing baseless queries to the Imam for attending Hajj without his ‘permission’.
“Turbanning a rival ‘Palace Imam’ without a Palace Mosque, thereby promoting division and subterfuge.
“Delivering inflammatory speech, revealing a grand plot to oust the Grand Chief Imam Dr. Teliat Yunus and undermine Islam in Ogbomoso.”,
With the Oba actions, the statement further said”The Muslim community is increasingly agitated, and community elders are making efforts to maintain peace. The followership of the Grand Chief Imam transcends all boundaries, making this a potential national security issue requiring swift attention.
“The Ogbomoso Muslim Community urges prompt intervention to prevent further escalation. We call on authorities to take immediate action to rein in the monarch and restore peace and stability to the community”, the statement appeals.
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