Religious and Traditional Tensions Rise in Ogbomoso as Soun and Chief Imam’s Dispute Continues

The ongoing conflict between the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, and the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Sheik Toliat Ayilara, shows no signs of resolution, even after an Oyo State High Court issued an injunction preventing the monarch from removing the Chief Imam from his position.

The dispute escalated on Saturday when supporters of both the Soun and the Chief Imam engaged in a heated exchange. This confrontation is the latest development in a prolonged power struggle between Oba Olaoye and Sheik Ayilara that has spanned several months.

Justice K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court in Ogbomoso recently ruled that Oba Olaoye, along with the kingmakers of Ogbomoso, led by Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, is barred from removing Sheik Ayilara as the Chief Imam.

This legal battle began when the Registered Trustees of Ogbomoso Muslim Youths Forum, representing the Muslim community in Ogbomoso, took the traditional ruler and his council members to court to contest the planned ousting of Sheik Ayilara. The court’s injunction aims to maintain the status quo while the case is being adjudicated.