Segun Atanda/
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has appointed Barrister Bilaal Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo.
In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the appointment was confirmed in an official letter personally signed by the monarch.
The Alaafin expressed joy and gratitude to Almighty Allah for bestowing His mercy on the new Chief Imam, describing his emergence as both significant for the Oyo people and sacred in the sight of Allah.
Owoade noted that Akinola was selected after a thorough screening process and commended his humility, sincerity, and devotion to Islamic leadership.
“Having passed through the duly conducted screening, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected as the new Chief Imam of Oyo,” the Alaafin stated. “This moment is not only significant for our people but also sacred in the eyes of Allah, for leadership in Islam is a trust that demands humility, sincerity and justice.”
Born on April 15, 1965 to the late Alhaji Shaykh Imam Bilaal Akano Ogunbado of the Imam Ogunbado Compound, Akeugberu, Oyo, Akinola hails from Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He holds an LL.B (Hons) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1992) and completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Wurno Local Government Area in 1993.
His educational background also includes studies at the Arabic Institute of Nigeria, Elekuro, Ibadan (1987), the General Certificate of Education (1984 and 1986), and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Ashogo, Oyo.
Akinola began his legal career under the tutelage of the late Barrister Niyi Badmus & Co., Agodi Gate, Ibadan, between 1995 and 2000. He later joined the Federal Public Service, working with the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and later the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) from 2001 to 2013, serving as a prepayment officer responsible for legal correspondences.
He was subsequently appointed officer in charge of the prepayment department of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) from 2013 to 2015 before voluntarily resigning to devote himself fully to Islamic propagation.
Since his retirement from public service, he has dedicated himself to consistent Da’wah activities focused on promoting Islamic knowledge, unity, and moral values within the Muslim community. He has led several Jumat services on the invitation of the Oyo State Muslim Council at the Senator Ishaq Ajimobi Central Mosque in Ibadan.
Akinola has presented papers at notable Islamic and civic events, including a seminar on women’s participation in governance, organised by the Federation of International Women Lawyers (FIDA) in partnership with the UNDP, and attended by legislators and traditional rulers across the South-West.
In his message to the Muslim Ummah, the new Chief Imam pledged to serve with dedication, wisdom, and fairness, promising to uphold the spiritual and moral traditions of Oyo.
He described Oyo as an ancient city of “historical prominence, cultural relevance, and religious leadership unmatched in Yorubaland,” and vowed to use his experience and Islamic knowledge to promote peace, understanding, and unity among Muslims.
“By the will of Allah, I pledge to contribute my intellectual resources, Islamic knowledge, and level-headedness devoid of extremism or baseless indoctrination,” he said. “Oyo deserves a scholar who understands the tenets and ethics of Islam, and who can resolve differences with diligence, competence, and impartiality.”
He prayed for continued progress for Oyo, divine guidance for the Alaafin, and blessings for the people of the town and Nigeria at large.
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