By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Tuesday officially appointed Bilaal Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo land.
According to The Punch, the announcement came through a statement by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaye, in Ibadan, the state capital.
The role had been vacant since the death of the late Chief Imam, Mashood Ajokidero III, in early 2023.
Owoade, speaking on the appointment, said: “Having passed through the screening test, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have been selected by me as the new Chief Imam of Oyo.
“The moment is not only significant for our people, but also sacred in the eyes of Allah, for leadership in Islam is a truth that demands humility, sincerity and justice.”
Bilaal Akinola, born on April 15, 1965, is a son of Shaykh Bilaal Ogunbado from Imam Ogunbado compound, Akeugberu, Oyo West Local Government Area. He studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.