The Ogun State Governor, Mr Dapo Abiodun, has urged the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona to continue to use his wealth of experience as a courageous and compassionate leader, to foster unity, peace and religious tolerance across the country.
Abiodun made this call on Tuesday during the conferment of Amir ul Mulukil Muslimin Fi Bilad (Commander of Muslim Kings) in Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States on the 90-year-old royal father.
The conferment held at the Palace ground, Ijebu-Ode was organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
The occasion had in attendance the Asiwaju of Ijebu land, Alahji Adebola Adegunwa, the Chairman of Bigi Industries, former Deputy governors of the state, Senator Gbenga Kaka and Alhaja Salmot Badru, the paramount ruler of Yewa Land and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the popular fuji musician and Olori Omooba of Ijebu land, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde among other dignitaries.
Abiodun said that it was not surprising that the mantle of leadership, the first of its kind fell on Oba Adetona giving his quintessential leadership roles and immeasurable contributions to making the world a better place.
He said, “Today’s ceremony is a celebration of faith, of Value and courageous leadership as represented by the Awujale over the years.
“Our new Amir embodies compassion, wisdom and integrity which are the hallmarks of leaders and so Kabiyesi fittingly deserved this new leadership role.
“Your choice for this leadership role as Amir Mulukil Muslimin is a symbol of your inclusivity, peace and justice. You stand as a bridge between tradition and modernity. You are a man of faith, you are God-fearing and you exemplify religious tolerance.”
Abiodun, therefore urged Awujale to use his new role to foster unity and peace across the country as no nation develops in a chaotic environment.
He said that his government was committed to working with all stakeholders towards ensuring religious tolerance while the unity of the country was further cemented.
Abiodun equally announced the flagging off of the reconstruction of the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode express road, saying that President Bola Tinubu has just given the approval.
He said that he had visited President Bola Tinubu last week and sought his intervention over the reconstruction of the road which has been in a poor state for some time.
Abiodun said, “This flagging off of the reconstruction of this critical road serving 17 states in the southern region will be done today (Tuesday) I am going from here to meet the Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi who will be joining us for the flag-off.
He described President Bola Tinubu as very responsive and a leader deeply committed to fixing the country calling on the people to continue to support the present administration.
Speaking earlier, Professor Emeritus and Chief Imam of Gbagura, Kamaldeen Balogun urged Awujale to continue to use his office to promote the development of Islam as well as the well-being and empowerment of Muslims across the country.
Balogun tasked the royal father to ensure that he championed the installation and burial of traditional rulers according to their religious inclination just as he had successfully done for the royal fathers in the state making it possible for people not to be subjected to beliefs that are incongruent with their religion.
The former university don also appealed that Awujale should either build a university for the Muslims in the country or set up a world-class library as a way of immortalising his enduring legacy for educational advancement
