Soun Of Ogbomosho Queries Chief Imam For Going To Hajj Without Informing Him

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, has queried to embattled Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Shiek Taliat Ayilara, for going to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj exercise without informing him (Soun).

The traditional ruler in the letter dated 10th June, 2024, said what the Chief Imam did was in contrast with the undertaking he signed before he became the Chief Imam.

The query was signed by the palace Secretary, Toyin Ajamu, on behalf of the traditional ruler.

The letter reads: “I refer to the earlier query issued to you with regards to your unbecoming and reprehensible conducts as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland and the need to desist from such conducts.

“You will recall that on your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland you signed an undertaking and agreement which you agreed will be binding on you.

“In the said undertaking, you unequivocally undertook to inform the Soun of Ogbomoso before traveling outside Ogbomoso.

“However, we have been informed that you are currently in Mecca on a Holy pilgrimage without notifying the Soun. This is a clear violation of your undertaking.

“Secondly, you agreed not to appoint any surrogate during your tenure without the approval of His Royal Majesty, Soun of Ogbomoso.

“Nevertheless, we have received information that you have appointed a surrogate namely Sheik Abdulrahman Alim Areo as the acting Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland, who led the Jumat Prayer of Friday, 7th June, 2024 of the Central Mosques.

“This action is a direct breach of your undertakings. As the Soun of Ogbomosoland, I hereby demand that you immediately return to Ogbomoso and rectify these violations and desist from any further actions that violate the the undertakings you signed on the approval of your appointment as Chief Imam Agba of Ogbomosoland.”

When contacted, The Chief Imam confirmed the development, saying this was not the first time the Soun will issue him a query.

He said: “Yes. That is what I am confirming for you. He has issued some queries to me in the past. I will send you the documents.

“This time, he issued the query to me that I didn’t inform him before going to Saudi Arabia.”