“Muslims Are Not Slaves, Monarch Can’t Appoint Oyo Chief Imam” – MURIC Warns Alaafin

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.. . Read ..Full.. Article.. .

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, and..  Read . .More …