From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Tensions are high in Inisa, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, as the Inisa Muslim Elites Association (IMEA) has rejected the recent installation of Hakeem Jamiyu as the new Imam.
Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, the group, led by its chairman, Alhaji Kasali Adeyemo, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of imposing an Imam on the community. They argued that “it is unheard of that a secular government chooses or imposes a Chief Imam on a community.”
The group also highlighted a pending lawsuit regarding the Imamship, claiming that Jamiyu’s installation violates the court’s status quo order.
According to IMEA, an ideal Imam should have the community’s best interests at heart, serve selflessly, and possess strong Islamic knowledge. They emphasized that Islamic tenets prohibit individuals with criminal or occult tendencies from holding the position of Imam.
“Stakeholders representing a multitude of Muslims of Inisa origin around the world are insisting on the selection of the best person from among us to lead the Inisa Muslim Ummah,” the group stated.
They expressed their belief that Governor Adeleke may not be fully aware of the situation and urged him to avoid political interference in the matter.
Speaking via Zoom, former Osun State University Vice-Chancellor Professor Labo Popoola, a member of IMEA, stressed the importance of selecting an Imam with strong academic qualifications in Islamic and Western education.
“Iwo just enthroned an Imam, the guy is a PhD student. You know that of Ogbomosho, a PhD holder. Our own does not even have a school leaving certificate result,” Popoola said. “That is why he cheated in an exam and was caught. Somebody impersonated him in that examination. When you have all subjects cancelled in an examination, it’s evidence of malpractice and you don’t need to go to court to prove it.”
Popoola questioned the suitability of Jamiyu, who allegedly wrote a letter of apology for the exam incident. He argued that such actions are not befitting of a spiritual leader.
The town has faced a religious crisis for three years, leading to the closure of the central mosque. Following interventions from Muslim leaders, the mosque reopened, and Jamiyu was installed as the new Imam on December 2, 2023. However, the IMEA’s rejection has reignited tensions in the community.