MUSWEN Vice President Sonaike, wife turbaned as Baba Adinni, Iya Sunnah of Akoka Central Mosque

* Lead with faith, service, and responsibility, Dr. AbdulLateef charges new title holders

Vice President II of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, and his wife, Alhaja Bilikis Tokunbo Sonaike, were turbaned as Baba Adinni and Iya Sunnah of the Akoka Muslim Central Mosque on Sunday, February 1, in a grand ceremony held at the Nigerian Army Sports Centre, Morocco, Somolu, Lagos.

Muslim News gathered that the duo were among the Muslim personalities honoured with Islamic chieftaincy titles, which carry both spiritual and social responsibilities within the community.

Alhaji Sonaike is a seasoned banker, technology executive, and highly respected Islamic and community leader with decades of experience in finance, corporate governance, digital innovation, and faith-based service. He also served as the National President of The Companion, an association of Muslims in business and the professions.

The ceremony attracted distinguished personalities, including Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; MUSWEN President Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; MUSWEN Vice President I, Rafiu Ebiti; National President of The Companion, Imam Nojeem Jimoh, and other prominent dignitaries.

Speaking to Muslim News, Alhaji Sonaike described his turbaning as both a challenge and an opportunity. “For me and my wife, we are role models now, and many people will look up to us. It’s on us to live up to the accompanying duty,” he said.

Alhaji Sonaike stressed the importance of exemplary leadership and promoting Islam alongside nation-building: “We have to lead exemplary lives and encourage people on the path of Islam and nation building.”

Reflecting on his lifelong ties to the Akoka community, Alhaji Sonaike said: “I grew up here and have been a member of the congregation since childhood. Even after I left, the Muslim Community stayed in touch, so I’ll always see myself as someone who belongs here.”

He added that he and his wife are committed to serving the community whenever needed: “If anything comes up that requires our attention, we’ll do our best to stand up to the situation. May Allah SWT continue to strengthen us.”

New Iya Sunnah pledges dedication to spirituality and stewardship

The newly turbaned Iya Sunnah, Alhaja Bilikis Sonaike, called her position both an honor and a responsibility, emphasizing her commitment to serving the Akoka Muslim Community and upholding Islamic values.

A respected Muslim woman, accomplished entrepreneur, and devoted community leader, whose life reflects faith, service, and excellence, expressed a mix of gratitude and humility following her recent appointment.

Speaking with Muslim News, she said, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to Allah, yet aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with this role.” Her words highlighted the dedication and commitment she brings to both her professional and community endeavors.

Alhaja Sonaike noted that leadership in Islam is a sacred trust, or amaanah. “I initially hesitated when I was told I’d be turbaned because I did not want to add to my responsibilities before Allah. But after reflection and assurances from the community, I accepted. I pray Allah SWT guides and strengthens me to discharge this duty diligently.”

Calling her turbaning a personal challenge, Alhaja Sonaike said: “It is a responsibility I owe to myself, my family, and the Muslim Community. I aim to uphold and propagate the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).”

She encouraged other Muslims to embrace community roles, highlighting their lasting spiritual rewards: “Taking up such responsibilities is a source of flowing charity. You’ll be remembered for the good you’ve done when you are no more. Let’s lead by example; it could be the path to attaining the pleasure of Allah, which we all yearn for.”

Other title holders highlighted

Other awardees included Barrister Wahab Ajani Gbadebo as Arowosadinni, Alhaji Kamil Olamiji Agbomejei as Balogun Adinni, and Alhaji Adeyemi Eedris Olawale as Alaranse Adinni.

Also recognised were Alhaja Sarry Abiodun Aduke Agbomejei as Iya Adinni, Alhaja Mariam Iyabode Asabi Sokan as Otun Iya Adinni, and Alhaja Raolat Ayodeji Usman Awure as Otun Iya Sunnah.

Alhaji Abdul-Hafeez Olufemi Ashi-Sulaiman was honoured as Giwa Adinni, Mrs. Sekinat Ajoke Suenu as Alamojuto Adinni, and Alhaja Mariam Odufuwa as Agbesinga Adinni.

The list was rounded off with Alhaja Sikirat Olaide Fadipe as Atesinse Adinni and Hajia Hafsat Mojisola Kassim as Oloro Adinni (The Wealthy Supporter of the Deen).

Dr. AbdulLateef charges new title holders to lead with faith, service, and responsibility

Earlier in the event, guest speaker Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef urged the new title holders to first take care of themselves, emphasizing the importance of controlling anger as a foundational step in leading a disciplined and exemplary Muslim life.

The Muslim scholar and former NDIC boss reminded them that their new chieftaincy titles are not just honors, but opportunities to positively impact the community.

“Allah will use your titles to elevate you in the hereafter, provided you use them to spread Islam and advance the Akoka Muslim Community,” he said.

He further admonished them not to joke with their Salat, explaining that prayer remains central to the purpose of human creation.

The guest speaker encouraged them to continually renew their intentions and assured them that every effort spent on the development of the community would be rewarded by Allah.

He emphasized that their primary agenda should include standardizing the mosque and promoting human development initiatives, such as the empowerment of widows and orphans, and ensuring the welfare of mosque officials.

Dr. AbdulLateef’s lecture highlighted that leadership in Islam is both a trust (amaanah) and a responsibility, and he called on the new Baba Adinni, Iya Sunnah and other chieftaincy title holders to serve as role models, exemplifying Islamic values while fostering the spiritual and social growth of the Akoka Muslim Community.

Other beautiful faces at the ceremony