Ago-Are in ATISBO Local Government Area of Oyo state was agog on Saturday, as dignitaries from religious, traditional and political circles gathered for the turbaning of Sheikh Sulayman Adedeji Akewukewee as the 4th Grand Chief Imam of Ago-Are Land, alongside a ₦250 million fundraising drive for the construction of a modern mission house.
The ceremony, held at NUD Primary School, Ago-Are, attracted Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents who witnessed the formal installation, marking another significant milestone in the spiritual journey of the Muslim community in the Oke-Ogun axis.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of ATISBO LGA, Hon. Bashir Olumuyiwa Alade, described Sheikh Akewukewee’s emergence as well-deserved, citing his wealth of knowledge, exemplary character and leadership capacity.
He stressed that the office of Grand Chief Imam demands spiritual guidance, service and moral responsibility rather than ceremonial relevance, while calling for unity and harmonious coexistence among adherents of different faiths in the community.
Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Abdur-Raheem Bayo Lawal, who was represented by Barrister Hassan Ajibade disclosed that Oke-Ogun communities are setting a progressive precedent by appointing educated and knowledgeable clerics to lead the Muslim faithful, a development he said is reshaping religious leadership narratives in the region.
Providing insight into the selection process, Dr. Seidu Bello commended community stakeholders for their courage, maturity and composure, which ensured a peaceful and widely accepted emergence.
He disclosed that the Imam’s return from the diaspora partly informed the vision to build a befitting Mission House equipped with modern facilities to support his leadership and religious duties.
Also speaking, a former member of the Oyo state House of Assembly, Ayobami Ojo attested to the new Imam’s humble origins and virtuous character, expressing confidence that he would lead the Muslim community with impartiality and fairness.
Delivering a lecture, renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Abdulraheem Ali Ajagbemokeferi described the appointment as a divine decree, charging the new Chief Imam to uphold Islamic principles rooted in truth, justice and compassion.
He urged him to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and serve as a beacon of moral guidance for the Muslim community and society at large.
Leading the fundraising as Chief Launcher, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Shirash Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Ashiru, mobilised financial support toward the ₦250 million Mission House project, envisioned as a modern facility to strengthen Islamic administration, scholarship and community engagement.
Traditional rulers present at the ceremony extolled the virtues of the new Imam, describing him as detribalised and committed to communal harmony, while offering prayers for wisdom and divine direction in his new role.
Royal fathers presents were the Aare of Ago-Are, Oba Abodunrin Micheal Olakanla II, Alagere of Ago-Are, Oba Azeez Uthman Oyetunde Odunaye II, Oloto of Ago-Are, Oba Azeez Lawal Omofoyewa II, who all joined in prayers for the peace and progress of the land.
Political stakeholders present Lawmaker representing ATISBO, Saki East state constituency, Hon Gbadamosi Ridwan (Wale Canada); Chairman Irepo Local Government, Hon Taoheed Olayiwola, former lawmaker Hon. Ojo Ayobami; Hon. Kareem Tajudeen represented by Alhaji Sabitu Olofa, Hon. Busari Yakubu Adewale; Engr. Tosin Kolade Awodi-Oke; and Alhaji Hammed Mutawakil Olaide, among other prominent sons and daughters of Ago-Are.
Also in attendance were notable indigenes including Dr. Seidu Bello of the National Hospital, Abuja; Prof. Justice Kareem Adedokun; Mr. Adedokun Ibrahim; and Alhaji Mutawakil Hamed Olaide. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Atisbo Chapter, was represented by Rev. Dr. Stephen Olushola Awoleye.
In his acceptance remarks, Sheikh Akewukewee expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ago-Are for the confidence reposed in him.
He appealed for continued prayers, cooperation and solidarity to enable him discharge his duties effectively, pledging to promote peace, religious tolerance and grassroots development.
The ceremony concluded with special prayers for the unity, stability and advancement of Ago-Are, Oyo State and Nigeria, alongside renewed calls for sustained support toward faith-based infrastructure and community development initiatives.
