The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheikh Teliat Yinus Avilara, has fired back at the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, over a query issued to him for performing the Hajj pilgrimage without informing the monarch.
In a letter addressed to the Soun, the Chief Imam stated that his office is not a traditional title and therefore not under the control of the Soun of Ogbomoso. He emphasized that the Soun has no power to query him.
The Chief Imam’s response came after the Soun issued a query to him for traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj exercise without his knowledge. However, the Chief Imam clarified that he responded to the Soun’s letters out of respect for Yoruba culture and tradition.
In the letter signed by his secretary, Ogunleye Sulaimon Ajasa, the Chief Imam maintained that as a Muslim and spiritual head of the Muslim community in Ogbomoso, he cannot subject the rules of Islam to Yoruba tradition and culture.
