Buhari, Amosun commend S/West’s body of imams, alfas

A former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Sarafadeen Tunji Isola, has been turbaned as the new Baba Adinni of Yorubaland.

The ceremony, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was witnessed by President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Senator Babafemi Ojodu; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede; businessman, Alhaji M. O. Yusuf; the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu and the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Bello Kewulere, among others.

The turbaning of Isola, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Tuesday, coincided with the 55th anniversary and conference of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta States.

Buhari thanked members of the League and the Muslim community for their prayers during his recent illness.

“I am truly aware of the effects of your prayers. Very soon, I will still come and thank you personally,” he said.

President Buhari, who reiterated his commitment to the fight against corruption, appealed for continued prayers for the peace and survival of Nigeria.

He commended the JAMB Registrar, Oloyede, who doubles as the Secretary-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), for his feats since his assumption of duty as JAMB’s registrar.

“Prof. Oloyede is a good representative of this country. He is a good Muslim, too. He has portrayed the religion in a good light, as exemplified by his anti-corruption stance since becoming JAMB registrar. I want you all to emulate him so that we can push corruption out of Nigeria,” the president added.

Amosun, while declaring the conference open, thanked the league for keeping the peace in Islam, while congratulating Isola on his new title, praying Allah to grant him the wherewithal to carry out his task.

“I thank you for keeping the peace in Islam. You are links to salvation for us. I challenge the league to do more,” Amosun said.

The governor expressed his wish to see Kogi and Kwara states join the league, saying such a move would make the League a complete South West association.

The chairman of the ceremony, Prince Abdul Jabar Bola Ajibola, who was represented by Professor Dawud Noibi, reminded the Muslim faithful of the essence of the foundation of the League of Imams and Alfas.

He reaffirmed his belief that in spite of the challenges facing Islam, the religion would continue to thrive.

The turbaning of the new Baba Adinni of Yorubaland was performed by the Mudeerul, Markaz, Agege, Lagos, Sheikh Habeebullah Abdullah Al-Ilory.