By Damilare Adeleye
Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Ghandi Afolabi has installed Habib Ahmed Adekunle Ayilara as the Chief Imam of Soun Palace.
This is even as he opined that Muslims and Christians are intruders to the throne, noting that the throne belongs to traditionalists.
The Soun,Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, noted that the just installed Chief Imam is responsible for the mosque in Soun’s palace.
During the installation of the Chief Imam of the palace mosque, Oba Ghandi noted: “This afternoon, I was deeply honoured by the Ogbomoso Muslim community, who graciously organised a special prayer in celebration of my 63rd birthday.”
“I have the distinct honour of conferring the esteemed title of the Imam of Soun’s Palace on Habib Ahmed Adekunle, Omo Abdul Wahab, Omo Imam Mahamud Ayilara. The Palace of Soun requires an Imam who will not only lead prayers within the palace but also represent me in religious matters concerning the Muslim community both within our town and beyond.”
Oba Ghandi also opined that Christians and Muslims are only intruding on the throne of the Soun, stating that the throne of Soun throne is that of the traditionalists.
“The throne is that of the traditionalists. Soun Ogunlola who founded the throne was a pure traditionalist; he worshipped the Ogun deity. We Christians and Muslims are just intruding so to say, it originally belonged to the traditional religion worshipers so we should encourage religious harmony. It neither belongs to either of us Christians nor Muslims, they are only lending us the throne.”
He also spoke on controversies between him and the current Imam of Ogbomosho, who he has been at loggerheads with since ascension to the throne.“Let me clear this the event of today is not the bus stop, we are yet to reach our destination, the bus only stopped to pick up someone. I have refused to remove him (the incumbent Chief Imam Teliat) despite him taking me to court. But I told him you can’t take me to court and be leading me in prayer, we don’t go to court and become friends.
“You that took me to court your intention is to win, to win against the Oba, and you call yourself an indigene of this town. Such prayer can’t be answered I believe. I am a pastor, if I take my member to court will I lead in prayer and such member will say amen?”
“Today’s event marks my birthday. It is historical. The person we installed today conducted thorough research, we don’t want to make such a mistake again. I have been an alfa (pastor) for 32 years, I believe Imam Teliat was still wearing pants then.
“That is the truth. And as Christians, we don’t mount the pulpit to abuse a king, l don’t know your religion much but in Christendom, we don’t do that, although some pastors say nonsense too.”