* Revered Muslim leader remembered thirty-two years after death for peace-building, community service
The late Chief Imam of Otun, Alhaji Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe, has been posthumously honoured by the Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Dr Adekunle Adeagbo, in recognition of his enduring legacy of peace, tolerance and selfless service to humanity.
The revered Islamic scholar, who returned to Allah on November 13, 1993, at the age of 85, was among four past heroes honoured by the community during the 2025 Otun Day Celebration, held on Friday, December 26.
Muslim News Nigeria gathered that the award ceremony, which also recognised five living legends and community ambassadors for their immense contributions to the development of Otun, formed part of activities marking the monarch’s fifth coronation anniversary, observed with thanksgiving and special prayers.
As part of the programmes for the event, a special Juma‘ah prayer was held at the Central Mosque, Otun Ekiti, where Oba Adeagbo joined worshippers in supplication to Allah (SWT), expressing gratitude for the peace, unity and developmental progress the community has witnessed over the past five years.
Members of the Ajekigbe Badmus family, including Alhaja Halimat Salami (nee Badmus), Mr Saliu Oriola Badmus, Mr. AbdulAzeez Adebayo Badmus were present at the event, having travelled from far and near to honour their late father, whose influence continues to resonate more than three decades after his passing.
Speaking at the ceremony, the monarch described Alhaji Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe as a lover of peace and a tireless advocate of harmonious coexistence, noting that his leadership transcended religious boundaries and earned him widespread respect across the community.
According to his citation, the late Chief Imam was widely known for preaching unity, patience (ṣabr) and dialogue, particularly during periods of tension, and for using his position to promote mutual respect and understanding among people of different faiths in Otun and its environs.
Thirty-two years after his death, tributes paid at the ceremony reflected the enduring impact of the revered Muslim scholar, whose teachings and exemplary lifestyle, community leaders noted, laid a solid foundation for the peaceful communal relations Otun continues to enjoy today.
The Otun Day 2025 celebration also featured a fundraising drive to support key community development projects, reinforcing the spirit of collective responsibility and service to society that figures like the late Chief Imam Ajekigbe championed during their lifetime. 
Read the summary of the late Chief Imam’s biography below:
CELEBRATING AN ICON OF GRACE AND PEACE:
The story of Chief Imam, Alhaji Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe, was that of a life that speaks volumes. He was a man of many parts.
It is the story of the rise from a humble background to prominence through vision, doggedness, and hard work.
Young Adebayo was born on 10th October 1908 in Ibadan. He was the first child of the only two children of his mother.
His grandmother was a Princess from Ijabe town in Odo Otin Local Government Area in Osun State. She was on a visit to her elder sister living in lle lya Abu Royal House in Otun-Ekiti when she was attracted to His Royal Majesty, Oba Okinboloye. They later got married, and the royal union produced Princess Ademuyinke Anike Okinboloye, the mother of Late Chief Imam Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe
His father was Mr. Abdul Kareem Adebayo from Odo-Oja Compound, whose mother hails from Ilorin and Ogbon Osan, Aafin, Otun-Ekiti, respectively.
His siblings from his maternal side in Ilorin were Baba Robinson Bolarinwa. Baba Yusuf Amimi, among others. His siblings from the paternal side include Late Chief Mrs. Adetola Eyedogun in Imore in the house of Sape, Chief Mrs. Eyerangun Doja in Oke Epe, and the mother of respected Baba Ajayi Asunmotiku and a host of others.
His only younger brother from the same mother was Late Alhaji Yusuf Olaniyi, a well-known timber merchant and a community leader popularly called “Yesufu Onipako”.
Alhaji Chief Imam Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe: An Icon of grace and peace
He preached and practiced peace. He was nicknamed “Baba Peace” by all and sundry. He had zero tolerance for corruption. He was the man who never shield away from saying the truth, no matter who was involved. A man of honour and integrity. you know where you stand with him because he would never betray trust!
He was very compassionate, attentive and accommodating. He did not discriminate against anybody, creed, tribe, or belief. He would not hesitate to condemn any wrongdoing while quick to commend and praise to high heaven good deeds.
He was generous to a fault and very humble. As a Chief Imam and Islamic scholar, he attended and graced all occasions in the church whenever he was invited both within and outside the community.
He encouraged his children to seek for knowledge especially about Christianity. According to him, one cannot comment on anything one has little or know nothing about. He said you cannot give what you don’t have!
He did not believe in acquiring worldly things. Very modest and contented, he did not have time for frivolities. He was ready to share his last meal with anybody without discrimination!
A family man to the core. He would go extra miles to cater for the needs of his children. He believed so much in educating his children both in Western and Arabic education.
A fulfilled man with highest sense of humour. You could not have a dull moment with him. He detested deceit and lies. A man of principle, very strict, and a disciplinarian with a human face. He loved the community so much. He was always on the lookout for its development and the people.
His journey outside Nigeria
His journey outside the shores of Nigeria began when, at a very young age, he left with his maternal uncle, Alhaji Olorunsola Hassan, to the then Gold Coast now Ghana on a business trip. He decided to stay on when fortunes smile on him. He was prosperous
He got educated during his interaction with various customers both local and foreigners, he was able to speak, reads and write in English, Arabic and Yoruba. He was fluent in Ghanaian native language.
In fact, he was gifted with good handwriting, which he bequeathed to his children. He was well known as an Islamic scholar, a preacher, and an orator.
He was very proficient in embroidery design of dress and caps. Among his clients were Highnesses, politicians and prominent member of the society.
There was twist in the political event in Ghana then, when all foreign nationalities including Nigerians were forcefully sent parking by a military junta without allowing them to take along their hard earning and fortunes.
He arrived in Nigeria and stayed briefly in Mushin, Lagos, before relocating to Ibadan. He finally decided to settle permanently at Otun-Ekiti, his native land of birth.
His oratory prowess and intelligence as an Islamic Scholar and as a peace maker was immediately noticed and recognised. His humility and truthfulness attracted him to so many people. His boldness, courage and humour could not be overlooked by both young, old, men and women in the community.
It was therefore, not a surprise when he was unanimously elected and turbaned as Chief Imam of Mobaland in 1967 after the glorious exist of the former highly respected Chief Imam. He went to Mecca and Medina on pilgrimage in 1973 along with his closest and bosom friend, late Alhaji Yisa Akorede, the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom.
His JP title
On 15th September 1989, he was appointed a member of the Special Advisory Committee by the then Governor of the old Ondo State on Security, Peace and Government Policies.
Also, in October, 1989, he was honoured with Justice of Peace (JP) by the old Ondo State Government.
He was a very close confidant and Adviser to His Royal Majesty; late Oba Adepoju Aroyinkeye, the Oore of Mobaland. His bravery and exploits at preventing buildings and properties in Otun-Ekiti to be destroyed and burnt could not be easily forgotten during the Payabayaba Progrom in late 60s.
He defiantly helped so many people escaped being killed or burnt to death. His house was even threatened when he was discovered to have helped shielded many people in his house.
He was survived by wives and blessed children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Alhaji, Chief Imam Badmus Adebayo Ajekigbe; the lover of peace and its advocate succumbed to death very early on the morning of November 13th, 1993 at the ripe age of 85.
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