THE Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has urged Muslims to respect the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, as the leader of the NSCIA and not engage in any move that could undermine his authority.
Oloyede said this as the chairman of a special Ramadan Tasfir/Iftar organised by the Assalamu Alaikum Foundation in memory of Alhaji Yunus Salako, Alhaja Fadilat Salako and Alhaja Safiat Salako, parents of the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, held in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Sunday.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar warned against moves by a section of Muslims, especially in the South West, to challenge the authority of the Sultan, saying such steps could cause disunity among the faithful in the country.
Oloyede said the choice of Sultan of Abubakar as the leader of Nigerian Muslims was unanimous and admonished the ummah to unite in accordance with injunction of the Qur’an and tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
Professor Oloyede commended Dr Salako for organising the event and for his steadfastness and intellectual contribution to the NSCIA. He described the minister of state as a pride to his community and Islam.
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The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammed Ali Pate, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, implored Salako and his family to emulate their parents.
Professor Ali Pate prayed for divine enablement for the family to stay on the path their late parents set their feet on.
The guest lecturer, Professor Saheed Timehin from the Lagos State University (LASU) lauded the minister of state for health for organising the programme to honour his late parents, especially in the holy month of Ramadan.
He called for unity among Muslims and admonished the faithful to be good to everyone, irrespective of religion, in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet.
Dignitaries who attended the event include Ogun West senator, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, represented by Kayode Oladele, a former House of Representatives member for Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency; Ishaq Abiodun Akinlade, House of Representatives member for Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency; and Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, House of Representatives member for Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency.
Others are Senator Kola Bajomo; the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Toyin Taiwo; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Suraju Adekunbi; the state Commissioner for Housing, Jamiu Omoniyi; and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan.
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