The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday appointed a lawyer, Bilaal Akinola, as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land, following the passing of the late Chief Imam, Mashood Ajokidero III, in early 2023.
The appointment was announced in a statement by the monarch’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, who said Akinola’s selection came after a thorough screening process.
In his address during the announcement, Oba Owoade described the moment as both significant and sacred, stressing the spiritual and moral weight of leadership in Islam.
“Having passed through the duly screening test, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected by me as the new Chief Imam of Oyo. The moment is not only significant for our people, but also sacred in the eyes of Allah, for leadership in Islam is a truth that demands humility, sincerity, and justice,” the Alaafin stated.
Born on April 15, 1965, to Shaykh Bilaal Ogunbado of Imam Ogunbado Compound, Akeugberu, Oyo West Local Government Area, Akinola studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
During the ceremony, Oba Owoade also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of child protection to national development. Speaking to pupils from the Federal College of Education (Special) Basic School, Durbar, Oyo, he said children’s welfare must be at the heart of every national agenda.
“Children represent the future, and ensuring their healthy growth and development ought to be a prime concern of all. It is a fact that nations that experience prosperity are those where family stability is jealously guided,” he said.
The Alaafin further stressed that development planning without enforceable laws, policies, and effective social services would remain futile, urging all stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of children for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
