The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has officially announced the appointment of Alhaji Bilal Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo. The announcement was made through an official Letter of Appointment issued from the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo.
In the letter, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to Allah for His mercy and blessings upon the newly appointed Chief Imam, describing the position as both honorable and sacred in the eyes of Allah. The monarch noted that the appointment followed due screening and selection processes.
“The Chief Imam is not only the leader of prayer but also a voice of peace and unity for the Muslim Ummah,” the Alaafin wrote. “He stands as the conscience of the people, advising both the throne and the community while reminding us all of our duties before Allah.”
Oba Owoade charged Alhaji Bilal Oseni Akinola to lead with wisdom, compassion, and humility, urging him to be a light to the people and a pillar of peace. He further encouraged him to strengthen the bond between the palace and the mosque, and between faith-based leadership and traditional authority in Oyo.
The Alaafin prayed for Allah’s guidance upon the new Chief Imam, asking that he be blessed with sound judgment, patience, and courage to carry out his duties faithfully.
The appointment, according to the Alaafin, was made “in service to Allah, in honor of our forebears, and for the peace and progress of our land.”
