* Ansar-Ud-Deen Missioner, CIO Grand Mufti, Fajr Centre boss urge service, accountability
* Olufowobi, Sanni, Adebanjo, 17 others installed as Islamic title holders
The Imodi-Ijebu Muslim Community in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State has turbaned 20 Islamic title holders and launched a ₦1 billion fundraising initiative to support education, economic empowerment and other community development projects.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Titilayo Agbaje Memorial Comprehensive High School (TAMCO), Imodi-Ijebu, brought together Muslim scholars, traditional leaders, politicians, business executives, journalists, families and community members from different parts of Nigeria.
The National Missioner and Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad; Grand Mufti of the Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafi’i; and Chairman of Fajr Centre, Lagos, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, charged the newly turbaned chiefs to regard their positions as a trust requiring sacrifice, accountability and service to humanity.
The event also featured the launch of a commemorative brochure and the inauguration of the fundraising initiative, alongside the turbaning of 20 distinguished sons and daughters of the community.
Faith must translate into action, says Ahmad
Speaking on the theme, “Faith in Action, Community in Unity; Future in Our Hands,” Sheikh Ahmad said faith should be demonstrated through practical actions that improve people’s lives rather than remain a mere profession of belief.
He urged the new title holders and other Muslims to take responsibility for the development of their community, stressing that progress required personal commitment, sacrifice and collective effort.
“Faith without action is just wishful thinking. Community without unity is just a crowd of strangers. And the future without our hands is just a fatalistic dream,” he said.
According to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Missioner, genuine faith should inspire believers to participate actively in addressing societal challenges.
“Faith is the belief that things can be better, combined with the willingness to get your hands dirty to make it so,” he added.
Islamic titles come with accountability, says CIO Grand Mufti
In his lecture, “Islamic Leadership in Contemporary Society: Upholding Trust, Justice and Accountability,” Sheikh Shafi’i urged the title holders to regard their positions as an amanah, meaning a trust or responsibility, rather than symbols of prestige.
Citing Qur’an 33:72 on the weight of the trust placed upon human beings, he reminded the honourees that leadership came with obligations before Allah and the people they served.
“As the saying goes, everyone is a shepherd and will be held accountable for their flock,” he said.
The CIO Grand Mufti called for order, cooperation and respect for institutional responsibilities, warning against rivalry or interference in duties assigned to other leaders.
Make mosques centres of transformation, Hassan urges
Delivering the keynote address, titled “Strengthening the Mosque as a Centre for Spiritual Growth, Youth Development and Social Transformation,” Alhaji Hassan called for a broader understanding of the mosque’s role in Muslim communities.
The former Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said mosques should contribute to education, moral development, youth mentorship, welfare and economic empowerment in addition to congregational worship.
“A mosque is not merely a building with a minaret,” he said.
He explained that mosques had historically served as centres of learning, consultation, brotherhood, moral formation and community service.
“If the answer is simply a place to pray, then we have not fully utilised the potential of the mosque,” he said.
Community launches ₦1bn development initiative, other activities
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mabtech Electrical Engineering Services Limited, Abuja, Alhaji Engr. Abdul Waheed Yusuf, led the fundraising initiative targeting ₦1 billion to support education, skills acquisition, vocational training, entrepreneurship, career development, welfare and other community development projects.
He was joined by members of the Imodi-Ijebu Muslim community from within Nigeria and abroad, who gathered to celebrate the newly turbaned title holders and support efforts to advance the town’s development.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the formal turbaning of the 20 honourees in groups, marking their installation into positions of responsibility within the Muslim community.
The event also featured the launch of a commemorative brochure by the Olumodi of Imodi, High Chief Musibau Adewale Okusajo.
The Chairman of the Day, Alhaji (Dr) Najeemdeen Usman Yasin, Bashorun of Offa Kingdom, was represented at the event and reportedly pledged continued support for the community.
Odubote charges Imodi-Ijebu Muslim chiefs on service, education, youth development
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Alhaji Ishaq Olugbenga Odubote, Esq., urged the newly turbaned Islamic title holders in Imodi-Ijebu, Ogun State, to demonstrate humility, honesty and commitment to community development, describing their titles as symbols of trust and responsibility.
Odubote said the honourees were recognised for their exemplary character, hard work, wisdom and contributions to the Muslim community.
He commended their longstanding support for the community, particularly their kindness to the less privileged, respect for elders and concern for young people.
Odubote called on young people to embrace hard work and good character, expressing hope that they, too, would be recognised for their contributions in the future.
Olufowobi pledges unity, youth empowerment as Baba Adeen
The newly turbaned Baba Adeen of Imodi Muslim Community, Dr Alhaji Chief Abdul Fatah Olumide Owolabi Olufowobi, described his installation as recognition of his hard work, fearlessness and contributions to Imodi-Ijebu.
He said his immediate priority was to unite Muslims and resolve lingering questions surrounding the hierarchy and responsibilities of members of the Imodi Muslim Chiefs Council.
Olufowobi pledged to convene regular meetings and ensure they produced meaningful outcomes, stressing that his position was primarily administrative and aimed at promoting positive change.
Aare Musulumi pledges support for mosque, welfare
Also, the Aare Musulumi of Imodi Muslim Community, Alhaji Ishaq Titilayo Ayodele Sanni, described his installation as an honour and a responsibility entrusted to him by Allah.
He said his immediate priorities included supporting the Central Mosque, strengthening unity among Muslims, maintaining the mosque, supporting the Madrasah and establishing welfare interventions for widows and less privileged residents.
“My immediate priority is to support the Central Mosque and strengthen unity among all Muslims in Imodi-Ijebu,” he said.
Adebanjo identifies priorities for community development
Another honouree, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebanjo, who was installed as Giwa Adeen, said the honour reflected his longstanding commitment to his hometown and community service.
The journalist with The Nation newspaper recalled his involvement with the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), serving as former Secretary of the Imodi-Imosan Central Branch and former Public Relations Officer of the Mushin Central Branch during his student days.
He identified infrastructure, women’s and youth empowerment, information technology education, healthcare and agriculture as priority areas.
Adebanjo advocated initiatives that would help young people establish sustainable livelihoods locally rather than relocate in search of opportunities elsewhere.
MUSWEN president, others celebrate honourees
The President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, congratulated Adebanjo and the other title holders, praising the journalist’s commitment to the Muslim community in Nigeria, particularly through the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) and other Muslim organisations.
“I want to say that he is a person to admire for his commitment to the ideals of UMA. He has been carrying us very far at MUSWEN, giving us a better image all the time. As a person, I just like him because of all these things I have seen about him, and I wish him well,” he said.
ASF chairman urges new Imodi-Ijebu chiefs to prioritise service
Another associate of Adebanjo, Dr Abdullahi Shuaib, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abdullahi Shuaib Foundation (ASF), described him as a trusted Muslim brother, friend and mentee of nearly two decades, praising his professionalism and contributions to journalism, religious affairs and community development.
Dr Shuaib urged the newly turbaned chiefs to regard their titles as a call to greater service, humility and responsibility rather than a source of pride.
Olajide hails Adebanjo’s contributions to Islam, journalism
Also speaking at the event, veteran journalist and member of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Lagos State chapter, Alhaji Abdulfattah Olajide, described Adebanjo as a younger brother and professional colleague he had known for several years.
He congratulated Adebanjo on his installation as Giwa Adeen of Imodi, saying the honour was well-deserved in recognition of his contributions to Islamic activism and his efforts to promote Islam through journalism.
Adebanjo’s wife promises continued support
Adebanjo’s wife, Alhaja Hafsah Adebanjo, described her husband’s turbaning as a testimony that sincere deeds do not go unnoticed, expressing gratitude to Allah for the recognition.
She highlighted his sincerity, selflessness, generosity and concern for others, saying she had consistently supported and encouraged him in his endeavours.
She promised to remain his cheerleader and safe place, offering him the encouragement he needs to do what is right and fulfil his responsibilities.
The remaining 17 nominees honoured
The other honourees included Prince Alhaji Ismaheel Adeyanju Yekinni, Balogun Adinni; Alhaji Chief Ibraheem Opeyemi Mustapha, Otun Arowosadeen; Chief Yunus Ahmed, Otun Aare Musulumi; Alhaji Chief Musiliyu Hussaini, Otun Giwa Adeen; and Alhaji Chief Oduwole Azeez Omoyemi, Otun Balogun Adeen.
Others were Prince Chief Abdul Waheed Adeshina Sanni, Otun Asinwaju Adeen; Prince Chief Abdul Rasheed Rotimi Lawal, Sarumi Adeen; Alhaji Chief Abdulwakeel Akorede Baoku, Alatunse Adeen; and Alhaji Chief Abdulmojeed Adeyemi Agbaje, Otun Mogaji Adeen.
The female honourees included Alhaja Chief Mrs Khadijat Kuburat Aribike Onabule, Eketa Iya Sunnah; Chief Mrs Azeezat Ajoke Sanni, Ekerin Iya Sunnah; Chief Mrs Salamot Afolashade Adesanya, Otun Agbesinga Adeen Obinrin; Chief Mrs Wosilat Rabiu Oduba, Otun Iya Adeen; Chief Mrs Balikis Morenike Hassan, Otun Iyalode Adeen; Chief Mrs Jemilat Modupe Lawal, Otun Alatunse Adeen Obinrin; Chief Mrs Alimot Modupe Oresajo, Otun Osupa Adeen; and Alhaja Chief Mrs Risikat Oluwakemi Arowolo, Otun Asiwaju Adeen Obinrin.
Some of the beautiful faces at the event
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