Grand Chief Imam of Oyo distances self from prayer gathering for APC governorship candidate
*Says was neither informed, invited nor represented to such gathering
By KEMI KASUMU
The office also called for greater respect for the traditional and religious institutions that have played significant roles in maintaining peace and harmony in Oyo Land.
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 recently reported prayer gathering held in Oyo Town in honour of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday June 16, 2026 by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Grand Chief Imam, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the office clarified that Sheikh Akeugberu was neither informed, invited, nor represented at the event, despite reports linking his name to the gathering.
The statement acknowledged Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town following his emergence as the APC flag bearer, describing acts of gratitude to God and engagement with religious institutions as commendable when conducted with proper consultation and respect for established leadership structures.
However, the office expressed concern over what it described as the unauthorized association of the Grand Chief Imam’s name with the event. It noted that other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were also reportedly unaware of the arrangement.
According to the statement, Islamic principles emphasise accountability, consultation, and respect for legitimate leadership, warning against the use of the names of religious leaders and institutions without prior communication and approval.
The office further stated that similar incidents had occurred in the past, involving announcements and representations made on behalf of Islamic institutions without the knowledge of their recognised leadership. It warned that such actions could create confusion and misrepresentation within the Muslim community.
Consequently, the Grand Chief Imam’s office cautioned individuals and organisations against impersonating or falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam without official authorisation.
“The Office wishes to state clearly that the Grand Chief Imam appreciates the thanksgiving visitation of Senator Alli to Oyo Town and acknowledges his gesture of gratitude to Almighty Allah and the people of Oyo State following his emergence as the party’s flag bearer. Such acts of thanksgiving and support for religious institutions remain commendable when carried out with proper consultation and respect for established leadership.
“However, 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. Similar clarifications apply to other recognised Islamic leaders within Oyo Land who were reportedly unaware of the arrangement.
“Islam places strong emphasis on accountability, consultation, and respect for legitimate leadership. The name of the Grand Chief Imam and the Oyo Muslim community must not be used in connection with activities or events without due communication and approval.
“This is not the first time concerns have been raised regarding such actions, including previous instances where announcements or representations involving Islamic institutions were made without the knowledge of the recognised leadership. Such practices have the potential to create confusion and misrepresentation within the community.
“The Office therefore cautions individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting, or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam when no official mandate has been given.”
Despite the controversy, the statement reaffirmed the Grand Chief Imam’s commitment to unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration with political leaders, religious organisations, and community stakeholders in advancing the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“The Grand Chief Imam remains committed to unity, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration with all stakeholders, including political leaders, religious bodies, and community organisations, for the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
The office also called for greater respect for the traditional and religious institutions that have played significant roles in maintaining peace and harmony in Oyo Land.
