The Imodi-Ijebu, Ogun State, came alive today, Friday, October 3, as versatile journalist, Alhaji Tajudeen Adegboyega Adebanjo, a Senior Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper, was presented as the Giwa Adinni of the community’s central mosque.
Alhaji Adebanjo is the National Secretary-General of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) and will also on Sunday, October 5th, 2025, be sworn-in as the General Secretary of Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens Residents’ Association, a Lagos State Government Housing Scheme in Igando.
The historic event, held during the special Jumat service, also witnessed the inauguration of the retired Director of Procurement in National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Ishaq Sanni as Aare Adinni of the community.
Other notable sons and daughters of the Odo and Imafon under the Imodi-Ijebu community bestowed with various Islamic titles include: Alhaja Hafsat Gbadamosi – Otun Iya Sunnah; Chief Ibraheem Ekiyemi – Otun Arowasadinni; Chief Araazim Ambali – Akeweje Adinni.
Also honourees were Alhaji Abdul Wakeel Akorede Baoku – Alatunse Adeen of Imodi-Ijebu; Alhaja Sherifat Epenuse – Iyalode Adinni of Imodi; Alhaja Arowolo Risikat (Alawofin) – Otun Asiwaju Adinni Obirin and Chief Abdul Mojeed Agbaje – Otun Mogaji Adinni of Imodi.
The colourful ceremony was attended by community leaders, families, friends, and well-wishers at the community central mosque under the leadership of the Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Muhammad Moshood Titilope, who led the congregational two rakat prayers.
The Grand Imam offered prayers for the newly appointed chiefs, asking Allah to guide and strengthen them in their new roles.
Imam charges new chiefs to uphold righteousness
The Khutbah (Friday sermon) was delivered by the Eketa Adinni of Imodi-Ijebu, Alhaji Ahmad Ajijolamimo. He urged the honourees, including Alhaji Adebanjo and former Director at NAHCON, to embrace righteousness, humility, and sacrifice in their new roles.
He advised them to abandon immoral behaviour, commit to all five daily prayers, and follow the path of earlier righteous leaders. “Religious leadership is a trust from Allah. It requires commitment, humility and continuous efforts in good deeds,” he said.
BabaAdinni charges new Chiefs to promote unity, Islamic values
The Baba Adinni of Imodi-Ijebu, Alhaji AbdulFatah Olumide Olufowobi, has urged the newly appointed Muslim chiefs to view their titles as a call to dedicated service, not personal honour.
He encouraged them to foster unity, promote Islamic values, and work for peace and progress within the community.
“Leadership in Islam is a trust that comes with responsibility and accountability before Allah,” he reminded them.
Alhaji Olufowobi also appealed to the new title holders to work closely with both the Muslim Ummah and the entire Imodi populace to ensure religious harmony and sustainable development in the town.
Giwa Adinni pledges commitment to community growth
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Adebanjo, who is a Media Ambassador of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed deep humility and gratitude to Allah (SWT) for his nomination by the Odo Muslim community as Giwa Adinni of Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community in Ogun State.
Describing the recognition as a sacred trust, Alhaji Adebanjo, also a Media Consultant to top political office holders, corporate organisations and trade unions, said: “This is not just a personal honour but a responsibility in the path of Islam.”.
He appreciated the leadership of the Muslim community in Odo and Imodi-Ijebu and the council of Ulamah, praying for divine guidance.
“I pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant me the wisdom, patience, and sincerity to discharge the duties attached to this position with fairness, humility, and justice. I pledge to uphold the teachings of Islam, to support the growth of our community, to promote unity among Muslims, and to serve humanity in line with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
“May Allah (SWT) continue to bless our community, strengthen our unity, and make this honour a source of reward in this world and the Hereafter,” he said
Alhaji Ishaq Sanni vows to promote unity
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Ishaq Sanni expressed heartfelt gratitude to Allah and the Imodi Muslim Community for conferring on him the title of Aare Musulumi of Imodi Central Mosque.
He described the honour as a trust and responsibility, pledging to uphold the values and principles of Islam.
“I look forward to serving the mosque and our community, promoting unity, and contributing to the spiritual growth of our members,” he said.
Alhaji Sanni further promised to work tirelessly for the prosperity and development of the mosque, praying for Allah’s guidance in fulfilling the role.
Muslim News gathered that the official turbanning of the newly appointed title holders will take place at a later date to be announced by the muslim community.
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