Be virtuous, treat your wife fairly, conscientiously, Oloyede tells Muslim men

THE Muslim man must treat his wife as his equal, and with respect, kindless and fairness, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is’haq Oloyede, has urged Muslim men.

He spoke on Sunday while delivering this year’s national Ramadan lecture of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ibadan branch.

Discussing the topic ‘The Man in Woman: An Exploration of the Responsibility of Muslim Male in the Emancipation of Womanhood’, Professor Oloyede said one of the most valuable deeds a man could do is to treat his wife in a way that transforms him into a virtuous person.

This, he said, could be achieved when a man understands his wife’s behaviour and desires, and organises his life according to her righteous requests.

He urged fathers to “provide accommodation for your family, the same style as your own; not that your wife will be living in the boys’ quarters.”

According to him, “the Holy Prophet Muhammad urged us to feed them as we also feed.

The former vice chancellor asked Yoruba-speaking states to ask for sharia courts in their areas which Muslims could use for the settlement of marriage and other related issues instead of going to the conventional courts.

The Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, commended relegious groups for keeping the peace in. the state.

The governor, represented by his Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdRasheed AbdAzeez, said the understanding and harmony existing among the groups had banished religeous acrimony from the state.

The chairman of the occasion, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, in a remark, described the topic of the lecture as a vital one that could not have come at a more auspicious time.

He advised states interested in having sharia courts not to hesitate to apply to the Federal Government.

The president of MAN, Professor Dhikrullah Yagboyaju, said the lecture was meant to serve the purposes of soul winning and informing the public about current issues of importance in society, both of which he said are part of the core objectives of MAN.

Other core objectives of the association, according to Professor Yagboyaju, include supporting government in building a decent society in which citizens’ lives and livelihood are safe; operating schools and skills acquisition centres for formal and non-formal training; operating primary health and medical centres; operating Muslim co-operative societies to support and boost legitimate business and commercial ventures; and sensitising the Muslim Ummah on civic duties such as conscientious voting during general elections, payment of taxes and, in general, doing what is right and forbidding wrongdoings.

Four personalities who have contributed significantly to the progres and physical development of MAN were recognised at the ceremony. They were Dr Abdul Rauf Olawale Babalakin, SAN; Mr Teslim Busari, Alhaji Tayo Adedigba and Adeniji Raji.

Eminent personalities at the lecture included the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Dawud Akinola; the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; the Iba of Kishi, Oba Moshood Oyekola Lawal Arowoduye II; wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo State, Chief Mutiat Ladoja; and national officers and members of MAN from across the country.

Saheed Salawu