Leadership failure breeds corruption, injustice—Retired Kwara Grand Kadi

RETIRED Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Salihu Olohuntoyin Muhammad, has attributed the prevalence of embezzlement, injustice and self-centeredness in society to leadership failure, which he says stems from a flawed selection process.

Speaking through Justice Masu’d Adebayo Oniye of the state’s Sharia Court of Appeal at the maiden public lecture of the Knowledge Is Light Islamic Foundation (KILIF), held in Ilorin, the retired jurist highlighted the consequences of choosing irresponsible leaders.

Themed ‘Responsible Leadership and Followership’, the event was attended by dignitaries, including the current Grand Kadi of the state, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, and a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Shehu Gafar.

Justice Muhammad warned that the appointment of ill-suited leaders leads to the collapse of institutions and a rise in criminal activity.

“One of the root causes of poor leadership is the absence of the fear of God. Leadership failure often results from flawed systems of selection or election, poor planning, misappropriation and diversion of public resources, embezzlement, injustice, favouritism, self-centeredness, tribalism, racism, and most critically, corruption in all its forms,” he stated.

He further noted that the consequences of irresponsible leadership are far-reaching and include the breakdown of law and order, indiscipline, insecurity, hunger, public health crises and widespread moral decay.

According to the retired Grand Kadi, governance and religion are intrinsically linked, contrary to the belief held in some quarters that the two should be separate.

“In Islam, governance is a trust. A leader is accountable not just to the people, but to Allah. A knowledgeable leader who is grounded in religious principles will govern with a sense of responsibility, conscious of the hereafter,” he emphasised.

He urged leaders to embody qualities such as intelligence, truthfulness, compassion and humility, and to be open to correction.

“A responsible leader must have listening ears and take decisions after due consultation. While the burden is greater on the leader, followers also have responsibilities,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen described the lecture’s theme as timely and globally relevant, stating that it provided valuable insights into the mutual responsibilities of leaders and followers.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees of KILIF, Alhaji Mohammed Faworaja, explained that the foundation was created to promote knowledge and inspire ethical leadership.

He announced plans to host lectures during Ramadan and to organise four public lectures annually.

“Five years ago, a few friends came together to form this foundation. We are committed to its longevity and have actively involved younger people in its activities. We are also working to engage women, as there is much for them to learn and contribute,” he said.

He stressed that the foundation remains open to all, underscoring the central role of knowledge in Islam.

“In recent times, we have seen how some are being misled, contrary to the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Through this platform, we aim to correct that,” he said.

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