Ogbomoso Chief Imam Warns Politicians, Bloggers Against Dragging Office Into Politics

The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland has warned politicians, bloggers, media organisations and other individuals against using the name or position of the Islamic leader, Imam Teliat Yunus Olushina Ayilara II, for partisan political purposes.

The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and signed by Sulaimon Ogunleye, Secretary, Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland and obtained by OYO INSIGHT.

The office said it had observed with concern recent attempts by some media outlets, internet bloggers, political actors and their associates to drag the revered office into partisan political activities.

It stressed that the Grand Chief Imam was not a political actor and that his office was not available to any individual, political party or interest group for political endorsement, mobilisation, influence or leverage.

According to the statement, the Grand Chief Imam is a spiritual father to all members of the community, regardless of political affiliation, ideology or personal preference, and therefore maintains political neutrality.

However, the office urged residents to participate actively in the forthcoming elections, calling on citizens to scrutinise candidates, engage them on issues affecting the people, demand accountability and freely make their choices at the polls.

It cautioned that while every citizen has the right to support and vote for a candidate of choice, no political interest should attribute such decisions to the Grand Chief Imam or his office.

The office consequently directed media organisations, bloggers, political actors and social media commentators to stop using the Grand Chief Imam’s name, image, statements or perceived position for political purposes, including portraying him as endorsing any candidate or political party.

The statement said the warning followed an earlier official statement concerning alleged defamatory publications by some bloggers, noting that legal proceedings had been instituted and several persons were facing prosecution before the courts.

Describing the latest notice as a “final and unequivocal warning,” the office said anyone who knowingly publishes or circulates false, defamatory or malicious material concerning the Grand Chief Imam, or uses his office for partisan political purposes, would face immediate civil and criminal proceedings without further notice.

The office urged the people of Ogbomosoland to remain calm, discerning and united, stressing that political differences should not divide the community or turn sacred institutions of faith into instruments of partisan contest.

It reaffirmed that the Office of the Grand Chief Imam remains above partisan politics and urged members of the public to disregard any purported political endorsement, statement or directive attributed to the Islamic leader.