The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Kingdom, Sheikh (Barrister) Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has reaffirmed that Muslims in Oyo Land will continue to recognise and follow the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, on all Islamic matters.
The cleric stated this against the backdrop of what he described as attempts by “divisive elements” to politicise religious leadership and sow discord within the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, particularly in parts of the South-West.
Akeugberu said the position of Muslims in Oyo Land remains firmly rooted in Islamic teachings and tradition, stressing that unity under a recognised leadership is consistent with the Sunnah as enjoined in the Qur’an and the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“The Ummah in Oyo Land will, by the will of Allah, follow the leadership of the Sultan in all Islamic-related matters,” he said.
In a statement personally signed by him and issued from his office, the Grand Chief Imam, who is also a legal practitioner and former Secretary-General of the Amalgamated Muslim Rights Concern, clarified that Oyo Muslims would not independently announce the commencement of Ramadan fasting.
He said they would instead await the official declaration of moon sighting by the Sultan of Sokoto, who is the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and spiritual leader of Muslims in the country.
“The general public is hereby notified to await the official announcement from His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, regarding the commencement of the Ramadan fasting,” the statement read.
Akeugberu urged Muslims to remain steadfast in unity and obedience to constituted religious authority, warning that fragmentation of leadership could undermine harmony within the Ummah.
He also called on Muslims in the South-West and across Nigeria to continue to promote peace, mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly as the Ramadan season approaches.
The cleric recently paid homage to the Sultan during his official visit to the South-West, alongside the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, in a gesture seen as reinforcing unity among Muslim leaders across regions.
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