The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has turbaned Alhaji Bilaan Oseni Akinola, as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.
The turbaning took place on Thursday at the Alaafin’s residence, Boroboro area of Oyo town.
The Alaafin recently appointed Akinola as the new Chief Imam after he had passed through the due screening test.
Akinola, who was born on April 15, 1965 to Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado of Imam Ogunbado compound, Akeugberu Oyo, holds a LLB from the Ahmadu Bello University , Zaria in 1992 and studied at the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro Ibadan, in 1987.
He worked as professional tutelage and practical pupilage under Barrister Niyi Badmus &co in Ibadan between 1995 to 2000 and had worked as a prepayment officer and also handling legal correspondences at the Federal public service at the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) metamorphosing into also defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
Outlining his vision, the new Chief Imam of Oyo land emphasised that his mission is not to introduce new doctrines but ensure strict adherence to the Qur’an and the Hadith of the Prophet (SAW).
“Islam is complete and has been complete for centuries. My role is to ensure that our members align with the dictates of the Qur’an,” he added.
He further urged unity within the Muslim Ummah, calling for an end to bigotry and ethnic sentiments.
He also offered a strong reminder to all government officials on accountability.
“Public office is a trust from Allah, not an opportunity for personal gain. Leaders must prioritise the welfare of the people at all times,” he advised.
Oba Owoade called on all Muslims in Oyo land to drum up support for the new leadership of the mosque.
