Ogbomoso Ruling Houses Issue Stern Warning Against Further Attacks on Soun
The ruling houses of Ogbomoso have issued a strong warning to Chief Imam Teliat Yunus Olushina Ayilara to cease his verbal assaults on the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, condemning his actions as a desecration of the revered throne.
A statement jointly signed by representatives of the ruling houses—Prince Lamidi Inability (Mogaji Aburumaku Ruling House), Prince Sikira Oyelami (Mogaji Gbagun Ruling House), Prince Olawole Olakulehin (Mogaji Laoye Ruling House), Prince Oyebamiji Oyediji (Rep Bolanta Ruling House), and Prince Ilufoye Olayode (Odunaro Ruling House)—declared that the community would no longer tolerate such ignoble behavior.
The ruling houses emphasized that insulting Oba Olaoye equates to dishonoring the esteemed Soun’s throne and, by extension, the people of Ogbomosoland. They defended Soun’s conduct and expressed confusion over the attacks directed at Oba Ghandi.
The statement read: “We find it necessary to address this matter of public concern. The issue with the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso has caused division within the Muslim community and the larger Ogbomoso society.
“Initially, we treated the matter lightly, expecting it to resolve itself as a religious issue. However, we are shocked by the falsehoods propagated by the Chief Imam, particularly his unwarranted criticism of the Soun, Alayeluwa Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III. This behavior is unacceptable.
“We aim to correct the misinformation being spread and to warn the Chief Imam to stop insulting the Kabiyesi. By doing so, he disrespects the throne of Soun and the entire Ogbomoso community.
“The root of the problem lies in the Imam Ayilara family’s claim that he is not a legitimate member. The Kabiyesi established panels to investigate, which recommended that the Imam step aside to resolve the issue. Despite appeals from notable figures like Senator Ayo Adeseun and Dr. Saka Balogun, who requested a seven-day period for reconciliation starting October 23, 2023, no resolution has been reached.
“Instead of deescalating, the Chief Imam has continued to promote falsehoods and insult the Kabiyesi. Additionally, he has filed lawsuits against the Soun and the Soun-in-Council, an unprecedented act in Ogbomoso’s history. His actions are deeply offensive, and we denounce his audacity. He is instructed to resolve his familial issues independently and refrain from mentioning the Soun in this conflict.
“Furthermore, all recent appointments made by him are invalid as they lacked the Soun’s approval, which is required by tradition. Taking the Soun to court is an outrageous act of disrespect towards the one who installed him.
“The Soun’s throne is an institution that transcends religious affiliations. The Ogbomoso Central Mosque belongs to the Soun, representing the King’s authority. We reaffirm our disapproval of the Chief Imam’s actions, which desecrate the sanctity of our ancestral throne.
“Due to the ongoing court cases, we await judicial outcomes. Meanwhile, we refuse to be distracted by the Imam’s antics. We reiterate that such behavior will no longer be tolerated.”
