•‘We must return every out-of-school Muslim child: Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso
• I will use my title for betterment of women in Ijebu Land, says Alhaja Fatima Oyefeso
Ijẹbu Ode town, Ogun State, Southwest region of Nigeria on Sunday, December 18, 2022, stood still for the turbaning and coronation ceremony of veteran legal practitioner, Alhaji Musibau Adewale Oyefeso and his beautiful wife, Alhaja Fatimah Yewande Oyefeso as Aare Musulumi and Sanmori Adinni of Ijebu Land, respectively.
The turbaning ceremony, which had in attendance leading Muslim scholars in Ogun State and the leadership of Islamic organisations, was held for prominent Islamic scholars and Muslim chiefs at the largest Central Mosque in Ijebuland, the Ijẹbu Central Mosque.
It was organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State under the leadership of His Eminence, Sheikh Miftaudeen Gbadegesin Ayanbadejo, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland and the president of the organisation in Ijebuland.
The reception, Muslim News Islamtainment (event) gathered was moved to another of the biggest mosques in Nigeria, Aiyepe Central Mosque, where the new Aare Musulumi, Barr. Oyefeso, is the Chairman of the Muslim community.
Speaking at the turbaning ceremony, the chairperson of the occasion, former Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Alhaja Salmah Badru rejoiced with the couple, saying that they deserve to be celebrated going by their years of devotion to Islamic propagation within and outside the State.
Alhaja Badru, who is also the current Iya Adinni of Ogun State noted that advancing the cause of Islam is a collective responsibility, thereby urging the title holders to temper cautiously.
She said: “Promoting the deen is everyone’s responsibility. I remember vividly, on my turbaning ceremony, the guest lecturer said that the responsibility is as fragile as glass and should be handled as such.”
The former Deputy Governor also stressed the need for parents to caution their children and wards against being used as baits in the upcoming general elections.
“Let me seize this medium to plead with us. We have a very sensitive and delicate situation ahead of us. Please, let’s warn our children against being used as thugs. An idle hand is the devil’s workshop.”
I am happy his good effort is being recognized – Ajibola SAN
Alhaji Olushina Abdu-Rafiu Ajibola SAN, was also present at the colourful event to honour the new Aare Musulumi, who he described as a strong believer who does his best to advance the cause of Islam and humanity.
In an interview with Muslim News, Alhaji Ajibola, SAN, revealed that he has known Oyefeso since their days at the Law school, adding that he is happy that his friend’s efforts and good work over the years are being recognized and appreciated accordingly.
He said:
“I’m highly elated. I’m happy that he is being recognized for all his work and effort not just within Aiyepe, but across Ijebu Land. It’s always nice to be appreciated when one is still alive.”
The conferment; right peg in the right hole – Alh Sonaike
Chairman of Odogbolu Muslim Community and Deputy President II of MUSWEN, Alhaji Muhammad Sabit Adewale Sonaike, while speaking with Muslim News, described the installation of both Barrister Oyefeso and his wife as the right peg in the right hole.
According to him, “Aare Musulumi of Ijebu Land is a very big title. It is worthwhile. It is a title bestowed on erudite scholars and Da’iyahs (callers), who are dedicated to the advancement of the cause of Islam. He’s always at the forefront, fighting the emancipation of Islam and Muslims locally and globally,” he said.”
My first duty is to ensure every out-of-school Muslim youth returns to school: Aare Musulumi
Speaking on his emergence as the Aare Musulumi of Ijebuland, Alhaji Oyefeso gave thanks to Allah and appreciated the entire Muslim community of Ijebuland.
He said his role as the Aare Musulumi Which interpretes to mean ‘Commander-in-Chief of the Muslim community’, is very important, noting that, “As the Aare Musulumi, he is to see to the welfare and advancement of Islam and Muslims, especially within Ijebu Land.
Alhaji Oyefeso promised to use the title to the advantage of Muslims and ensure every out-of-school Muslim youth in over 300 towns and cities in Ijebuland returns to school.
He said; “My first assignment is to ensure that every Muslim child within my jurisdiction goes to school. It is worrisome that 20 million children are out of school and a high percentage of these children will be Muslims by my calculations. In Ijebu Land for instance, where we have over 300 towns and cities, we must handpick every Muslim child on the streets and send them back to school.”
When asked how he would marry the responsibility with the political office he is currently vying for, if he emerges as winner, Oyefeso said political power will even avail him the ability to do more.
“I pray fervently to win the election because it is easier to serve humanity when you have political power. This title is limited to Muslims in your enclave, but as a member of the House, representing over 500 communities, it is a bigger responsibility.”
He urged Muslims who are in positions to use whatever they have to benefit the Ummah and humanity at large.
I will use my title for the betterment of women in Ijebu Land – Alh Fatima Oyefeso
Alhaja Fatimah Oyefeso’s joy knew no bound as she appreciated the Muslims of Ijebu who felt she was worthy of the title and pledged to use it for the good of women and Islam in Ijebu.
The former International Amirah of the Criterion, an Association of Muslim Women in Business and the Professions, said, “In shaa Allah, it is a responsibility from the Almighty and I won’t take it for granted. I will try to benefit womanhood, children and Islam to the best of my ability. If I’m called upon for any cause, I’ll try to see to its fruition to the best of my abilities.”
She pleaded with Muslims holding positions and titles to ensure they are not just ceremonial heads.
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