The Muslim faithful have been charged to uphold the noble virtues of moral uprightness and fear of Allah, as taught by Islam. This admonition was made by Associate Professor of Arabic, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Saheed Olurotimi Timehin, who served as a guest lecturer at the one-year anniversary celebration of Chief Imam of Tede land, Fadilat Sheikh Al Imam (Barr) Imran Adewale Atilola. The event, organized by the Tede Muslim Community under the leadership of Dr. Mudasiru Adepoju, featured a turbaning ceremony for distinguished personalities in Tede land.
The occasion drew dignitaries from various walks of life, including Chief Mrs. Janet Alake Adeyemo, wife of the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Traditional rulers led by the Onitede of Tede, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul Rauf Adebimpe Oladoyin Gbangbade Erun the Second; Islamic scholars; political stalwarts; government functionaries; captains of industry; and a large gathering of Tede indigenes. Prof. Timehin expressed concern over the unwholesome activities and irrational behaviors attributed to some Muslims, emphasizing the need for a deliberate approach to caution those tarnishing Islam’s image. He urged everyone to abide by the principles and practices of Prophet Muhammad to change the negative perception of Islam.
Chief Mrs. Janet Alake Adeyemo and Prof. Muslim Tayo Yahya, Executive Secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West of Nigeria (MUSWEN), congratulated the people of Tede, particularly the Tede Muslim Community, on the auspicious occasion. Mrs. Alake Adeyemo praised Barr. Atilola as a leader worthy of emulation, noting that he has brought unprecedented development to Tede land, especially among Muslims. She charged them to foster unity of purpose. Prof. Yahya emphasized the importance of unity among Islamic associations and urged the Muslim faithful to support Barr. Atilola’s leadership to achieve success.
Alhaji Abdullah Yahya, Executive Chairman of Legend Associates Insurance Brokers Ltd and chairman of the day, said Allah chooses leaders for His people. He emphasized that leadership requires commitment and responsibility, which should be executed with the fear of Allah. He noted that the previous Chief Imam, Fadilat Sheikh Amonda Tijanni Adedigba, laid the foundation for peace and unity in Tede, setting a pace for his successor to emulate.
Other dignitaries, including Mr. Azeez Jimoh Adeniyi (J West), representing Senator Abdul Fatai Buhari, and Mr. Sulaimon Azeez, INEC officer for Atisbo local government, admonished the people of Oke Ogun to emulate the good brotherhood and spirit of comradeship of the Tede Muslim community. The awardees, including Alhaji Adepoju Yisau Aderemi, Alhaji Rauf Adekunle Adeniji, and Alfa Ahmad Tijani Abdul Rasaq Amirul Waizin, appreciated the Chief Imam and the Tede Muslim Community for the honor bestowed on them. They promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.
As reported by Kaseem Jenrade, the event was attended by notable figures, including the Alageere of Ago Are, Alageere of Ofiki, Oloto of Ago Are, Onisabe of Sabe, Onibaasi of Baasi, Chairman Tede Community home and abroad Deacon Mathew Kolawole Ogunkunle, Alhaji Abu Adejare Gbadamosi, and Hon. Dapo Yusuf, among others.