Inisa Muslim Elite Association (IMEA) in Odo-Otin local government area of Osun State has called for the emergence of the chief imam of the community through a fair, transparent and credible process.
Addressing a press conference in Osogbo yesterday, the chairman, Alhaji Kasali Adeyemi, insisted that the next chief imam for Inisaland and other related officers, should be appointed in the light of the Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (SAW).
IMEA faulted the alleged imposition of a less qualified person on the Inisa community, saying that the status of chief Imam transcends mere headship of a mosque but the leader of Muslims in Inisaland.
“Imamship is a huge responsibility and is also considered as a trust, so it requires a qualified person in terms of sound knowledge, life experience, wisdom, piety and good character to occupy it.
The association accused some prominent people in the state of interference in the issue, adding that Inisa has eminently qualified Islamic scholars that can take up the responsibility of leading Muslims in Inisa.
“It is unheard of that a secular government chooses for, or imposes a chief imam on a community. We are assuming that His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke has not been availed of the facts in this matter, and, therefore, plead with him to allow this simple matter to be resolved without any political interference;
“It is on this premise that 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”. IMEA insisted
