The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has rejected the claim by the Alaafin of Oyo, Akeem Owoade, that he has the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.
MURIC’s founder and executive director, Ishaq Akintola, said on Wednesday that no law gives the monarch such power.
His words: “The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade claimed yesterday that he had the exclusive right to appoint the chief imam of Oyo town.
“The claim was contained in a statement issued by the Alaafin’s director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
“We reject this statement. It is false, baseless and without any legal backing. What the Alaafin called his exclusive right is a baseless privilege now being abused by traditional rulers in Yorubaland. Alaafin is being economical with the truth.”
Akintola challenged the monarch to produce a legal instrument backing his claim, describing it as “illogical, irrational and laughable”.
“If he has the power to appoint the chief imam, does he also have the power to appoint the bishop of Oyo?” he asked.
He further stated: “Now, if he has no power to appoint the bishop, he cannot claim the power to appoint the chief imam. If he is relying on tradition, there is a difference between tradition and what the law says.
“By the way, what kind of tradition enslaves Muslims but gives Christians freedom. We reject a tradition that puts Muslims in chains. Muslims are not slaves.”
The MURIC director said Nigeria is a democracy and not a monarchy, warning the Alaafin to “respect himself and know his limits so that he can be adequately respected”.
He added that past practices cannot serve as justification.
“The tradition in the past was to trek to Makkah on foot. That has been abandoned. The incumbent Alaafin should stop clinging to a comatose practice,” he said.
Akintola argued that Owoade, being a pastor, has “no moral right to dictate who should lead the Muslims in Oyo”.
He said the Muslim community of Oyo should consult the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) before presenting a candidate for the role, stressing that the Alaafin’s blessing is “not mandatory”.
“To the Alaafin, Kabiyesi, your imperial majesty, you are the king over the whole of Oyo. You are king over the Muslims, the Christians and the traditionalists.
“Each group chooses its own leader. No law gives you exclusive right to choose the chief imam. Otherwise, show us evidence that you picked the Bishop. If you cannot pick the Bishop, how can you pick the imam? Stop impugning our dignity. Respect begets respect,” MURIC said.