Oyo Muslims to Follow Sultan’s Leadership on All Islamic Matters-Grand Chief Imam

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Muslims in Oyo Land to the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto on all Islamic-related matters.

Sheikh Akeugberu made this statement against the backdrop of sustained resilience shown by Muslims in Yoruba Land in the face of attempts by what he described as divisive elements seeking, for political motives, to incite disaffection against the leadership of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
According to him, “The Ummah in Oyo Land will, by the will of Allah, continue to follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters.”
He explained that this position is firmly rooted in Islamic teachings and is fully consistent with the Sunnah, as enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam—who is also a legal practitioner and former Secretary-General of the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern (AMURIC),issued a statement from his office clarifying that the commencement of Ramadan fasting in Oyo Land would not be declared independently.

In the statement, which he personally signed, Sheikh Akeugberu stated that Muslims in Oyo Land would await the official declaration of the sighting of the moon by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, before beginning the Ramadan fast.

“The general public is hereby notified to await the official announcement from His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, regarding the commencement of the Ramadan fasting,” the statement read.