The Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Dr. Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat Ayilara II, has publicly denied any ties to terrorism or banditry and is calling on both the Federal Government and Oyo State Government to step up rescue efforts for kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Ahoro, Esin-Ele, and Yawota communities.
For weeks, the cleric says his sermons and prayers have focused on the victims and their families. “As a father, a spiritual leader, and a citizen, I feel the weight of the trauma these innocent families are enduring,” he said in a statement Sunday. He prayed for the captives’ safety and for their immediate, unconditional release.
While asking for spiritual strength, Imam Teliat stressed that “physical action is paramount.” He urged authorities to use every available resource to bring the abductees home and commended security agencies risking their lives in the search.
The Imam also addressed viral social media and blog claims linking him to kidnappings and banditry in Oyo State. He called the allegations “malicious and baseless,” stating he has consistently condemned terrorism and kidnapping in his Friday sermons and public lectures. He said his teachings even support capital punishment for those convicted of such crimes.
“My legal team has already begun decisive legal action against individuals spreading these defamatory and libelous statements,” he warned bloggers and vloggers, adding that further purveyors of falsehood will be prosecuted.
He closed by praying for peace across Nigeria and the safe return of all victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
