Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State Denies Endorsing Folashade Abeo Nurudeen as Iyaloja

The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Abdul Ganiyu Abubakri Agbotomokekere, wishes to address a circulating report claiming that Alhaja Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen has been endorsed by the Grand Chief Imam as the Iyaloja of Oyo State.

The Office wishes to categorically state that this report is untrue. The visit in question should not be misconstrued as an endorsement or official declaration of support for any candidate for the position of Iyaloja of Oyo State.

For the avoidance of doubt, the following clarifications are hereby made:

1. Purpose of the Visit
   Alhaja Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen visited the Grand Chief Imam at his residence in Oja’ba, Ibadan, on the evening of Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The visit was a courtesy call and an opportunity to seek the prayers and blessings of the revered Islamic leader.
2. No Endorsement Was Given
   The Grand Chief Imam did not endorse Alhaja Princess Folashade Azeezat Abeo Nurudeen for the position of Iyaloja of Oyo State. The visit was purely a personal and religious engagement and should not be interpreted otherwise.
3. Clarification on the Role of the Office
   The Office of the Grand Chief Imam does not exercise the authority to appoint or endorse an Iyaloja of Oyo State. Such an appointment or endorsement does not fall within the established responsibilities or customary functions of the office.
4. Openness to All
   The Grand Chief Imam’s residence remains open to people from all walks of life who seek his prayers, spiritual guidance, and blessings. Receiving a visitor does not constitute an endorsement of that person’s political, traditional, or chieftaincy ambitions.

CALL FOR RESPONSIBLE PUBLICATION

The general public, media organisations, and social media users are hereby urged to disregard the misleading interpretation of the visit and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of causing misunderstanding or misrepresenting the position of the Office of the Grand Chief Imam.

Finally, the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State prays for continued peace, unity, understanding, and harmonious coexistence among the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.