Osun Clerics Urge Governor’s Neutrality in Inisa Central Mosque Chief Imam Selection

A group of clerics from Inisa town in Osun State has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to ensure due process in selecting the next Chief Imam of Inisa Central Mosque.

This appeal follows a five-year deadlock in the mosque’s reopening for Jumaat prayers on Friday, December 1, 2023, due to disagreements among the congregation over the choice of a Chief Imam.

Speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the group’s leader, Abdulrasaq Amad, highlighted that the issue was already subject to litigation in the Osun State High Court.

However, due to the ongoing strike by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, the court has been unable to hear the case since last November, delaying its resolution.

Amad expressed concerns over perceived interference by individuals acting on behalf of the governor, openly supporting one faction in the dispute.

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He emphasized the importance of allowing the court to adjudicate on the matter, calling on Governor Adeleke to refrain from involvement and adhere to Islamic procedures in the Chief Imam’s selection.

Clarifying that the mosque was not closed by a court order but rather due to a directive restraining both parties from assuming the role of Chief Imam, Amad stressed the need for due process, including screening, qualification assessment, and Islamic examinations, in the selection process.

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Responding to queries, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, defended Governor Adeleke’s intervention as aimed at preventing lawlessness.

He stated that clerics across the county had called for the governor’s involvement to resolve the deadlock.

Alimi assured that the governor’s actions would not interfere with the pending court case and urged patience from dissenting parties.