Islamic clerics, scholars, teachers, leaders and elders, under the aegis of League of Imams and Alfas from the Oke Ogun area of Oyo, on Monday, pledged their support and loyalty to the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan.
The group leaders gave their assurance when they paid a solidarity visit on the Deputy Governor in his office, the Ministry of Environment, Agodi, Ibadan on Monday.
The clerics who were represented by the Chief Imam of Igbeti, Al-Shykh Abubarkar Mohammed Akibu and the Chief Imam Ago-Amodu, Imam Abdulyekeen Arikewusola Osuolale Kilanko (II) said they decided to make public their support because of the antecedents of Olaniyan whom they said has been a strong pillar to the faith, the people of the region and the state as a whole.
Speaking, Imam Arikewusola Osuolale said there was no iota of truth in the insinuation that Olaniyan is irrelevant in his home of origin.
He said anyone who underrates Olaniyan does so at his own peril, lauding the Oyo Deputy Governor for his steadfastness to the peace, development and growth of the region and the state as a whole.
He said: “The visit is on behalf of our father, Al-Imam Ahmmad Tijani Adedigba, who is the Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Oke Ogun zone and who asked us to visit our father, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Abdulrauf Olaniyan who is a strong pillar in politics and government.
“Our father asked that we greet you and solidarise with you based on the ongoing issues in the state for a while now. He asked us to tell you that he is aware and he has not kept mute to ensure that no evil happens to you or anyone else amongst our people.
“He asked us to thank you for your support for the people of Oke-Ogun, for standing firm and for being a good ambassador and worthy son of the region who is committed to the development of Oke Ogun as a whole.
“He also asked us to pray for you and pray with you that God will see you through the journey ahead.
“He assured that we are with you both in spirit and in all other ramifications and that we will always stand with you.”
The clerics also seized the opportunity of the visit to deliver the message of other members of the League directly under their watch.
“In the same vein, as a representative of the League of Imams and Alfas, Saki-East Local Government Area, which I am the chairman of five towns including Oje-Owode, Sepeteri, Agbonle, Ogbooro and the Central, Ago-Amodu.
“The Imams and the Alfas there also asked me to greet you and that I should tell you that they align with the stand of our Chief Imam for the entire Oke-Ogun zone in declaring solidarity and support for you”, Imam Osuolale added.
“In the same vein, as a representative of League of Imams and Alfas, Saki-East Local Government which I am the Chairman of the five towns including Oje-Owode, Sepeteri, Agbonle, Ogbooro and the capital, Ago Amodu.
“The Imams and Alfas there also sent their regards and said they align with our Cheif Imam for the entire Oke-Ogun zone”, Imam Osuolale Kilanko added.
