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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has been honoured with the Amir-ul-Mulukil Muslimin Fi Bilad, meaning ‘Commander of Muslim Kings’ in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states.
The religious title was conferred on the 90-year-old monarch at a ceremony held at the Palace Ground, Ijebu-Ode by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
The occasion had in attendance the Asiwaju of Ijebu land, Adebola Adegunwa, former deputy governors of the state, Sen Gbenga Kaka and Alhaja Salmot Badru, the Olu of Ilaro and the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Wasiu Ayinde among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, urged the Awujale to continue to use his wealth of experience as a very courageous and compassionate leader, to foster unity, peace and religious tolerance across the country.
Abiodun noted that it is not surprising that the mantle of leadership, the first of its kind fell on Oba Adetona giving his quintessential leadership roles and immeasurable contributions to making the world a better place.
“Today’s ceremony is a celebration of faith, of value and courageous leadership as represented by the Awujale over the years.
“Our new Amir embodies compassion, wisdom and integrity which are the hallmark of leaders and so Kabiyesi fittingly deserves this new leadership role.
“Your choice for this leadership role as Amir-Mulukil-Muslimin is a symbol of your inclusivity, peace and justice. You stand as a bridge between tradition and modernity. You are a man of faith, you are God-fearing, you exemplified religious tolerance”, he stated.
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The governor stressed that the Awujale should use his new role to foster unity and peace across the country as no nation has developed in a chaotic environment.
He said that his government is committed to working with all stakeholders towards ensuring religious tolerance while the unity of this Country is further cemented.
Meanwhile, Governor Abiodun used the occasion to announce the flagging-off of the reconstruction of Sagamu-Ijebu Ode express road, saying that President Bola Tinubu has just given the approval.
He disclosed that he visited the president last week and sought for his intervention over the reconstruction of the road which has been in a poor state for some time.
“This flagging off of the reconstruction of this critical road serving 17 states in the southern region will be done today (Tuesday). I am going from here to meet the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi who will be joining us for the flag-off”, he added.
He described President Tinubu as very responsive and a leader deeply committed to fixing the country, calling on the people to continue to support the present administration.
Speaking earlier, Professor Emeritus and Chief Imam of Egba Gbagura, Kamaldeen Balogun, urged the Awujale to continue to use his exalted office to promote the development of Islam as well as the well-being and empowerment of Muslims across the country.
Prof. Balogun tasked the royal father to ensure that he sustains his efforts to ensure the installation and burial of traditional rulers according to their religious inclination just as he had successfully done for the royal fathers in Ogun State making it possible for people not to be subjected to beliefs that are incongruent with their religious beliefs.
The former university don also appealed that Awujale should either build a university for the Muslims in the country or set up a world-class library as a way of immortalising his legendary achievements.
