Eminent personalities, political and religious leaders, top state government officials, and traders associations gathered in Oluyole local government for the grand turbaning ceremony of the executive chairman of the Council, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, by the League of Imams and Alfas in Oluyole LG.
The official turbaning of Olatunji as the Baba Isale Musulumi (which translates to Grand Patron) of Oluyole local government, held at the Oluyole Central Mosque, Idi-Ayunre.
The event saw a host of distinguished figures in attendance, including the Commissioner for Works and Transport; Professor Dawud Sangodoyin, Alhaji Babatunde Tijani (Double T), Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Oyo state; Alhaji Akeem Azeez, the Secretary of People’s Democratic Party in Oyo state; Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, and other prominent figures in government and within the PDP.
The occasion was an important religious milestone for the Muslim community in Oluyole LG in celebrating the elevation of respected individuals within the Islamic faith who have distinguished themselves in their chosen careers and businesses.
Olatunji’s official turbaning was in recognition of his dedication selfless service towards the advancement of Islam and its leadership in Oluyole local government.
The turbaning was a formal acknowledgment of his leadership role within the League of Imams and Alfas, a revered umbrella body of all Islamic scholars and leaders in the Council.
Speaking shortly after his turbaning, decoration, and presentation of staff and instruments of office to the Council boss, Olatunji, who expressed appreciations to the League of Imams and Alfas for the honor and recognition assured of his continuous commitment to the course of Islam and the Muslim community.
He equally vowed to continue to work tirelessly towards deepening interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence in Oluyole in line with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde for public peace and tranquility across the state.
“I am proud to be here today to witness this significant moment for our community. The turbaning of these revered individuals highlights the critical role they play in shaping our religious and social lives. It’s a testament to their unwavering commitment to the values of peace, charity, and leadership,” Sangodoyin remarked in his address.
For many of those in attendance, the turbaning ceremony was not only a religious event but a reflection of the Muslim community’s commitment to progress and the promotion of Islamic values.
Alhaji Adeleke, one of the dignitaries present, emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening the social fabric of Oluyole as a nexus between government and the people,particularly within the Islamic faith.
Earlier in his speech, the President of the Grand Imam, Oluyole local government, Alhaji Imam Toilat Abdulazeez Alao, who described Olatunji’s new status within the Muslim community in Oluyole as historically unprecedented said it was well deserved.
He thanked the congregation for their continued support and commitment to the ideals of the League adding that Olatunji’s new status now translates to the second highest authority to convene or call for a meeting of the League of Imams and Alfas in the entire Oluyole local government.
He expressed gratitude for the recognition of the newly turbaned Council Chairman and other members, who have long been pillars of support for the League’s initiatives while urging them to continue to uphold the tenets of Islam.
Other prominent Muslim leaders present at the event include the Chairman, oyo state pilgrimage welfare board, Alhaji Hashim Abdulwahab Atere, Alhaji Abduljelyl Abdulkarheem Mogaji Adanla, Secretary General of the Aare Musulumi In-Council, Alhaji Salaam Azeez, all ten Councillors, supervisory Councillors, Special Assistants, top officials of Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo state, Oluyole market leadership led by the Babaloja and Iyaloja general, and political stalwarts graced the event.