Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state on Saturday, stood still for the turbaning ceremony of the Otunba of Lagun, Arc (Dr.) Hassan Olawale Giwa and his wife, Alhaja Khadijah Owolabi Giwa as Asiwaju Adini Musulumi and Iya Alaranse Adini Musulumi of Ibadanland respectively.
The turbaning ceremony, which had in attendance leading Islamic scholars in Ibadan and the leadership of Islamic organisations, was held at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
It was organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Ibadanland under the leadership of His Eminence, Sheikh Abdulganiyy Agbotomokekere, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland.
The guest speaker, Sheikh Muhydeen Ajani Bello while speaking at the event charged the couple to continue to use their positions to help the less privileged in the society as Almighty Allah will continue to bless them in return.
He said: “I charge you both to continue to be faithful to the service of God. Do not relent and continue to do good to the people around you as you have been given this new position.”
Speaking after the turbaning ceremony as the Asiwaju Adini Of Ibadanland, Olawale Giwa gave thanks to Allah and appreciated the entire Muslim community of Ibadanland.
He said his new position entails huge responsibility and comes with challenges as it requires vast knowledge, wisdom and patience.
In his words: “It is a big shoe being occupied by a much smaller leg of mine, but I believe with support of our fathers and all adherents of Islamic faith we shall succeed.
“While I believe that this is an opportunity and avenue to serve on a bigger platform to improve on our Dawah, and double up our efforts in the way of propagating the course of Islam, I would therefore, need the guidance, tutelage and advice of all particularly the Ibadan Muslim Community in discharging the huge responsibilities attached to the Office of the Asiwaju Adini of Ibadan Land.
Giwa, promising to be a leading light in all ways, also vowed to contribute his little quota towards the development and uplift of Muslims.
He said further: “To be precise, as Asiwaju Adini Musulumi of Ibadan Land, I am expected to be seen as one of the leading lights in all ways. However, I want you to remember that I am human and I do not have any power of my own, but I will do my best at all times to make sure I achieve this.
“As a result of this, I can safely say that Allah has His plans for me and this society. Hence, he made it easy for this day to be possible. To the glory of Almighty Allah, I agree to become Asiwaju Adini Musulumi of Ibadan Land because I wish and I’m determined to contribute my own little quota towards the development and uplift of Muslims and Islam in Ibadan Land.”
The Asiwaju Adini of Ibadanland while using the opportunity to preach love among people of Ibadanland, also appealed to parents to stop forcing professions on their wards.
In his words: “If we embrace love, we will quickly grab the concept of brotherliness. We should inculcate the habit of being our brothers’ keepers. This will hasten the development of the land. If we help one another, we will all end up at the top. If we help one another to achieve, there will be less hatred.
“Importantly, I want to appeal that we should stop the culture of forcing professions and vocations on our children. Let them follow their passion. I am an Architect today because I love and enjoy being one. If we promote professionalism in this way, we will be breeding generations of fulfilled Nigerians. By doing this, we will be promoting creativity and progress in our social and economic lives.”
“In addition, our society is the way it is today because respect for simple law of nature, religious law and others are being flagrantly disobeyed. I will work with all stakeholders to systematically ignite the fire of reorientation of our people. We should all learn to do the right thing at all times for our country to be better. After all, we do not have any other country we can call our own. We should all embrace the culture of being ‘Omoluabis’
“On a final note, elections are here, I believe Allah will intervene, but then, we all must vote according to our conscience. We must not give room for vote buying and selling. Allah will help us.”
