Muslim faithful urged to imbibe lessons of Ramadan beyond fasting

Islamic stakeholders and clerics have enjoined Muslim faithful to endeavour to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan beyond the fasting season in order to continue enjoying spiritual upliftment and good relationship with God.

The call was made on Friday, February 28, at the 3rd Akeem Olatunji Annual Ramadan Lecture themed: TAQWA: Iberu Olorun (The Fear of God), held in Oluyole, Ibadan.

Speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Musibaudeen Babatunde, charged Muslims to ensure that the spiritual discipline, selflessness, and moral restraint cultivated during Ramadan are sustained long after the fasting period.

He cautioned against limiting acts of kindness, charity, and worship to the holy month alone, stressing that the true essence of Ramadan lies in translating its lessons into everyday conduct.

Babatunde also emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence among all faiths, urging residents to nurture healthy relationships built on unity, tolerance, and mutual respect rather than division and discord.

Similarly, the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole lauded Seyi Makinde for what he described as consistent and genuine support for the Muslim community in Oyo State.

He noted that although the governor is not a Muslim, his actions over the years have reflected deep respect for Islamic values and institutions, adding that governance should ultimately be measured by fairness and inclusivity rather than religious affiliation.

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Ajewole further referenced the annual Ramadan lecture organised by the governor, noting that the forthcoming edition scheduled for Thursday would be the 12th in the series.

He explained that with Governor Makinde set to mark his seventh year in office on May 29, the programme had been sustained for about five years even before he assumed office.

According to him, this long-standing commitment clearly demonstrates the governor’s enduring relationship with the Muslim community.

He also highlighted several initiatives and interventions by the Makinde administration aimed at promoting the welfare, inclusion, and overall development of Muslims across Oyo State.

Earlier in his lecture, renowned Islamic cleric and guest lecturer, Imam Daud Alawiye, reminded leaders and citizens that wealth devoid of the fear of God carries no lasting blessing.

This was as he urged those in positions of authority to place integrity, righteousness, and accountability above material accumulation.

Alawiye stated this while delivering a Ramadan lecture organised by the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, held on Saturday, February 28, at the newly commissioned Oluyole Multipurpose Hall.

The hall hosted its first major religious event since commissioning on Wednesday, drawing Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community stakeholders from Ibadan and across Oyo State.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Imam of Oluyole described the lecture as historic, noting that no previous council chairman had organised a programme of such spiritual focus in the local government.

He praised Olatunji’s leadership, which he said is rooted in the fear of God, and offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for the chairman, who also bears the traditional title of Baba Isale Musulumi of Oluyole.

Special prayers were also offered for harmony between the council chairman and Seyi Makinde, as well as his political associate, Otunba Seye Famojuro.

Prayers were further said for the guest lecturer ahead of his presentation.

Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole commended Governor Makinde for what he described as remarkable developmental strides.

He observed that although the governor is not a Muslim, he has consistently demonstrated goodwill towards the Muslim community and completed the Olubadan Palace project.

Delivering a lecture titled “God Consciousness (Taqwa) as a Guiding Principle in Governance and Social Life”, the cleric identified politicians, Muslim leaders, and political associates as three categories of people that the society should honour, while stressing mutual respect among them as key for peace and sustainable development.

He emphasised that the fear of God is the foundation of true success in governance and personal life.

“Whosoever does not fear God may have money, but will not have Alubarika,” he said, explaining that divine blessing gives wealth and position lasting value.

Without it, he added, material possessions lose meaning and stability.

According to him, those who genuinely fear God are shielded from evil influences, noting that many individuals who rose from humble beginnings did so because they upheld righteousness.

He added that the fear of God is what qualifies a person for Aljana, urging both leaders and followers to allow righteousness to guide their actions.

Addressing family life, the cleric called on women to fear God in their marital relationships, citing Islamic teachings that emphasise moderation and fairness.

He also cautioned political office holders against internal conflicts, urging unity and cooperation among appointees and elected officials in Oluyole Local Government.

Directly charging the council chairman, Alawiye reminded him that power and position are gifts from God.

He prayed for wisdom, humility, and integrity in leadership, encouraging all attendees to seek elevation through righteousness and service to society.

The lecture concluded with special prayers for dignitaries present, seeking divine guidance, unity, protection, and success in their respective responsibilities.

Speaking with journalists after the event, Olatunji said the lecture was organised to draw people closer to God and to commit forthcoming elections into divine hands.

He noted that the programme was also aimed at instilling the fear of God, reminding leaders and citizens alike of accountability.

“Just as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is guided by good governance, accountability, transparency, and integrity, we too must ensure our actions reflect these values,” he said.

In his goodwill messages, close political ally of Governor Seyi Makinde and PDP stalwart in the state, Chief Babatunde Tijani ‘Double T’, expressed satisfaction seeing all political office holders and leaders in Oluyole united.

He urged political stakeholders and all party faithful to embrace unity and love for one another. He emphasized that unity is the only path to progress, and that there is nothing to gain from division.

The event witnessed top government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibaudeen Babatunde; the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Mogbonjubola Abdul Mojeed; and the Chairman of the Local Government Service Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige.

Others in attendance included members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, local government chairmen, former council leaders, party executives, market leaders, women groups, pensioners, council staff, and representatives of various socio-political organisations, underscoring the broad-based support and significance of the annual Ramadan lecture in Oluyole LG.