The people of Ilobu in Osun State have been charged to sustain the peaceful coexistence and religious harmony in the town to strengthen the unity and love among residents.
The traditional ruler of the town, the Olobu of Ilobuland, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, gave the charge while presenting the new Grand Imam of Ilobuland, Abd’Rahman Adewale Abdul-Azeez, to the Muslim Ummah and people of Ilobu.
Muslims and non-Muslims in Ilobu, including the traditional chiefs and other stakeholders in the town converged at the palace of Olobu of Ilobuland, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan where the monarch officially endorsed Dr Abd’Rahman Adewale Abdul-Azeez as the new Grand Imam of Ilobuland.
The traditional ruler said the rancour-free selection of the new Grand Imam signifies the commitment of Muslims in Ilobu towards the peace of the town.
Muslim leaders in the state said the new Grand Imam of Ilobuland was selected on merit and pledged their support for him to succeed.
A professor of Islamic Studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Abdulfatai Makinde, said the selection of the new Grand Imam is in compliance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
The new Grand Imam of Ilobuland holds a PhD from university of Ibadan. He served as the Dean of Regular Degree Programme, University of Ibadan.