* Grand Mufti Ilorin, ex-NAHCON chief praise Odebisi’s remarkable contributions to Islam in Nigeria, the US
* It’s motivation to do good for Islam, community at all time: Baba Adinni
It was a celebration galore on Sunday, 15th September, as the Oshodi Muslim community under the leadership of Sheikh Hassan Abdulazeez, Chief Imam of Oshodi, turbaned Alhaji (Engr.) AbdulFatai Odebisi as the Baba Adinni.
Odebisi, the first Secretary General of National Council of Muslim Youths Organisations, NACOMYO, was honoured with the prestigious Islamic title for his notable contributions to the development of Islam in the community, and by extension, Nigeria and outside the country.
The air was filled with delight and excitement as families and friends in their aso-ebi thronged the Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Secretariat, Lagos, venue of the turbaning ceremony, with pomp and pageantry, to honour one of their own, Alhaji Odebisi who was installed as Baba Adinni alongside eight other title holders.
The other awardees include Otun Baba Adinni, Iya Adinni, Otun Iya Adinni, Iya Sunnah, Otun Iya Sunnah, Agbesinga Adinni, and Apase Adinni, among others.
Prominent Muslim scholars in Nigeria who graced the occasion are the Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruk Sulaimon Onikijipa; and Markaz Ta’alim Al-Arabiy wal Islaamiy, Sheikh Thaoban Adam Al-Ilory; former Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan; Media Scholar and Associate Professor of Journalism at Lagos State University, LASU, Dr. Tunde Akanni, among others.
Muslim News gathered that the event was also an avenue for the N150m fundraising for the renovation of the Oshodi Central Mosque.
In his lecture, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin congratulated the new title holders with special reference to Alhaji Odebisi, saying that the essence of chieftaincy titles is to appreciate those who strive for the growth of the deen (Islam), adding that it will also encourage them to do more by serving their community and promote the values of the faith.
“There are people who believe that giving chieftaincy titles isn’t allowed in Islam. They have personal interpretation but are ignorant of the words of Allah in the Qur’an. Allah addressed his Prophets and Messengers with titles.
For instance, He (SAW) called Prophet Ibrahim ‘Khalilullah,’ meaning ‘the friend of God’; Musa Kalimullah, the one who talked with Allah; Isa Al-Masīḥ, The Messiah; and Prophet Muhammad as Khātam al-Nabiyyīn, Seal of the prophets. These are titles.
“Our Prophet too was described as Al-Ameen, meaning, “the trustworthy one”, by his people because of his truthfulness, which he got before he was called to prophethood. Many of his (SAW) companions had their titles. Abu Bakr was As-Șiddīq, Umar got title of Faruq because of their exemplary qualities. Titles are ways of rewarding people’s efforts, which the Baba Adinni and other title holders have demonstrated over time.
Sheikh Onikijipa urged the title holders to see it as a trust and they shall be accountable to Allah. According to him, They should therefore shun evil deeds and believe in Allah, and his prophet.
They should work together with the leadership of the mosque in raising money to complete its renovation. They should also spend from their wealth in the cause of Allah.
The Grand Mufti of Ilorin also used the occasion to recognise the presence of Barr Zikrullah Hassan, a friend to the Baba Adinni, and commended his outstanding performance and untainted leadership qualities during his tenure as the Chief of NAHCON.
Onikijipa described the former hajj commission boss as a ‘pride’ and ‘worthy ambassador of Islam’, adding that his unblemished record at NAHCON will for long remain the yardstick to measure the performance of his successors and wished him Allah’s blessings in his future endeavours.
Zikrullah, who couldn’t hide his excitement to be part of history, rejoiced with the new Baba Adinni of Oshodi Muslim community for dedicating his life and wealth to the course of Allah.
“Alhaji Odebisi’s activism in Da’wah is not limited to Oshodi. It cuts across Nigeria and beyond. He was very active and dedicated to the growth of Islam during his time was the first Secretary of NACOMYO. When he relocated to the US, he continued to champion the course of Islam with his life and wealth,” he added.
The celebrant, a senior engineer, while speaking with Muslim News, thanked Almighty Allah for the honour, saying he didn’t see it coming.
According to him, there are quite a lot of people that are aware of our contributions to the community. Interestingly, we are doing it secretly. Despite that, those kind gestures are known to the people and they felt really appreciative of our kind gestures. So, they reached out to me about the title, which I later accepted after consultation with my family, because our services to the community are solely for Allah. Alhamdulillah, it was a successful outing. All praise to Almighty Allah and appreciation to everyone that graced the occasion.
The Baba Adinni, who left Nigeria for the US in 1988, described the recognition as a motivation to continue to do good at all times, especially for the community and Islam in general, adding “We aren’t doing it because of people or for us to be given titles; but because of our commitment to Allah.”
He recalled how his efforts paved way to the purchase of a big church building in the historical district in Reading, a city in Pennsylvania, US, and transformed into a mosque for worship and educational purposes.
“That was in 2013. It was a great opportunity and I was happy that Allah used me for the acquisition because the Muslim community at that time needed a bigger masjid to cater for the spiritual connection of her members with their Lord. We were able to purchase the church building and converted it to a mosque.
“We call it Masjid As-Sabireen, in partnership with Islamic Society of Berks County, founded in 2010 to provide Islamic education to Berks County. It’s still running till today and we have the opportunity to continuously develop it on a regular basis. It has a lot of classrooms, and other facilities, including counseling services, non-Muslim education, hospital visitation services, funeral services, among others,” he added.
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