By: Balogun Tumininu
Sheikh Habeeb Ayilara has been installed as the new Chief Imam of Ogbomoso town. The turbaning ceremony took place on Friday at the Abata section of the Soun’s palace in Ojagbo area of the city.
Sheikh Ayilara’s appointment was made by the League of Imams and Alfas of Ogbomoso and other Muslim leaders, and was approved by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
The ceremony was attended by a large gathering of Muslims, including notable figures such as the Parakoyi of Ogbomosoland, Alhaji Sirajudeen Aleem, and Oyo North Senator, Fatai Buhari, who was represented by Alhaji Yekinni Woleola.
However, the Parakoyi of Ogbomoso noted that Sheikh Ayilara’s appointment is temporary, pending the outcome of a court case involving the embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Sheikh Teliat Yunus Ayilara. The court case has been ongoing due to a dispute between Sheikh Teliat and a section of the Ayilara family and the Soun’s Palace.
Alhaji Aleem emphasized that they would not act contrary to the subsisting court order, and Sheikh Ayilara would serve the Soun’s Palace for now until the court determines the fate of Sheikh Teliat.