From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
An Islamic cleric, Imam Abdulhafeez Haroon, has urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to emulate the Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Isiaq Oloyede, by apologising to their mistakes.
Haroon posited that only the brave and God-fearing person can do what Oloyede did by coming out publicly to admit error committed under his watch and pleaded for forgiveness.
In his sermon of Friday, the Imam of Islahudeen Central Mosque, Osogbo, Osun State, said the public apology is a difficult thing for leaders, noting that Oloyede has demonstrated to be an exemplary leaders.
While some people are calling for the sack of Oloyede, Imam Haroon said Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was quoted as saying that “all human being are sinners, but the best among the sinners are repenters.”
He urged Nigerian leaders to always be ready to accept mistake commited directly or indirectly under their watch and seek forgiveness before a day that repentance would not be accepted.
“To admit and correct mistake is part of signs to identify a good leader. Leaders don’t want to accept mistake because of fear of being seeing as weak. But it takes only a brave person to accept mistake and seek forgiveness.
“Oloyede is a good leader. His behaviour is worth emulating. Those of you who have committed error should go out and seek apology. It is the best way to apologise. We should not forget that all leaders would account for their actions one day,” Imam Haroon said.