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The recent demise of the Chief Imam of Oyo, Sheikh Masu’d Adebayo, has sparked renewed complaints in the ancient city over the delay in announcing a new Alaafin by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde .
Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had joined his ancestor last year, after reigning as Alaafin for over five decades. The Chief Imam died last Wednesday’s night.
In Oyo, the Chief Imam is appointed by the Alaafin. Consequently, with the governor’s delay in announcing a new monarch, it is impossible for a new Imam to emerge even as Ramadan fast approaches.
“We risk losing tradition and conventional practices and the Muslim community is now more affected because the Chief Imam can’t emerge without an Alaafin and the Chief Imam has essential roles to pay during the Ramadan and beyond,” one resident said.
The Oyo Mesi had since early October 2022 selected a candidate among the aspiring princes to take the exalted throne of Alaafin.
The name of the selected prince was equally sent to the state government in October.
“We do not understand the delay even though the governor has promised no interference which we appreciate,” one Chief said, requesting anonymity.
“If this delay continues and another thing happened, let’s say, God forbid, the Basorun or any of those that will perform the rites also passes away, it means we will not have an Alaafin again because without the Basorun the process of enthroning an Alaafin cannot take place. And also without Alaafin, a new Basorun can’t emerge.”
Already, social media is awash with complaints by Oyo people about not having an Alaafin and Chief Imam.
