The palace of the Alaafin of Oyo has dismissed reports claiming the appointment of a new Chief Imam for the ancient town.
The clarification was issued in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday, September 15, 2025.
The statement urged Muslim faithful and residents of Oyo to remain calm, stressing that the selection process for the Chief Imam position is still ongoing and involves extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders. The palace described the circulating reports as “unfounded, baseless, and wicked.”
“The attention of the Alaafin’s Palace has been drawn to wild speculations milling round that a new Chief Imam has been appointed for Oyo. The good people of Oyo and members of the public are advised to disregard such unfounded information, as no candidate has been chosen for the number one Islamic seat in Oyo town,” the statement read.
Exclusive authority of the Alaafin
The palace emphasised that only His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, holds the exclusive authority to appoint a new Chief Imam.
The statement reassured the public that the Alaafin will make the rightful selection in due course, based on established traditions and religious considerations.
It further noted that the appointment process involves wide consultations with Muslim leaders and community stakeholders to ensure that the chosen candidate commands broad acceptance and respect across the town. This approach is intended to maintain harmony and unity among the faithful.
Bode Durojaiye also cautioned the public against spreading rumours, stating that misinformation could create unnecessary tension within the community and disrupt the ongoing deliberations. The palace called for patience and understanding while the process continues.
Assurance to residents and faithful
The Alaafin’s Palace reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness in the selection of the Chief Imam. Residents and members of the Muslim community were assured that the process will be handled with the utmost integrity and respect for tradition.
The statement also called on local media and social media users to verify information before publication or circulation, to prevent the spread of false reports that could mislead the public. The palace promised to update the public once a decision has been formally taken.
Finally, the palace appealed for unity among Oyo residents, urging them to respect the Alaafin’s authority and allow the established process to proceed without interference or speculation.