As Amir Visits Olubadan, Ataoja, Akirun, Others
Addresses members on unity during a 5-day working tour
As the leadership of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria edges closer to the formal opening of the Minaret International University, Ikirun Osun State, the Executive Governor of the State, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola has reiterated his support and full readiness of the State to host the University.
Governor Oyetola gave the assurance during the official visit of the National Head (Amir) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez and other top members of the National Executive to the Governor in Osogbo last weekend.
The Governor commended the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Community towards the growth and development of Western education in the country and maintained that the establishment of a tertiary institution in the state will cap the numerous achievements of the organization in the education sector.
He expressed his delight over the choice of location and promised that his administration will continue to support the University Project and other Muslim Organizations in the State.
The National Head appreciated the continuous support received from the State Government on the project and vowed that the University will be second to none in the State as it will be free of cultism and other societal ills. He said the University is expected to produce quality and well-groomed graduates with a vast knowledge of Science and Technology.
Barrister Alatoye formally invited the governor to the official opening of the University and also extended the 2021 International Conference of Ahmadiyya Community invitation to the governor.
The Amir who was on a 5-day official tour to Oyo and the Osun States respectively also paid courtesy visits to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I; Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Abidemi Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II; Akirun of Ikirun Land, Oba Olayiwola Olawale Adedeji II; Alademore of Ibokun Land, Oba Festus Kayode Awogboro; Olunisa of Inisa Land, Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Moronfolu Oyedele Fasikun II JP; Apetu of Ipetu Land, Oba Olude Fatile; Alase of Ilase Ijesha Land, Oba Jimoh Isiaka Adeshina Ajabiolu II.
In his address at the palaces, Barrister Alatoye thanked the traditional rulers for accommodating and ensuring good neighborliness with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in their respective domains. He also conveyed the peace message of the spiritual leader of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(May Allah be his Helper).
The Amir equally enjoined the rulers to use their good offices to call on the government to ensure the right to life, freedom of speech, provision of social amenities to the populace as well as ensuring peace and justice without any discrimination.
The traditional rulers were also presented with some of the organization’s literature including the Holy Quran followed by group photographs.
MTA Facility Needed At The Palace – Olubadan:
The Olubadan of Ibadan Land, in his remarks, stated that the visit of the leadership of Ahmadiyya Community was timely and promised to engage the Oyo State government on the security of lives and properties in Ibadan and Oyo State generally.
He further specifically requested for the installation of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) facility at his palace in order to be more enlightened on the activities of Ahmadiyya Community globally. Oba Saliu Adetunji pledged to always honour the invitation of the Community to its programmes.
“World Crises and Pathway to Peace” template will be helpful in Osun State – Ataoja
Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo has challenged the leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to produce a book similar to “World Crises and Pathway to Peace” for the main purpose of tackling the lingering crises in Osun State.
The traditional ruler described representatives of the Muslim Community as true ambassadors of Islam who serve humanity without segregation nor discrimination. He equally tagged himself as a man of justice and truthfulness who cannot be lured into dishonesty.
The Book “Essence of Islam” a source of guidance – Oba of Obokun Ijesha Land
Oba Festus Awogboro of Obokun Ijesha Land admitted that one of the Jama’at’s literature titled “Essence of Islam” presented to him by the immediate national head of the organization, Prof. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola has been a source of guidance to his decision on the throne.
Commissioning of Oja Oba Market, Ibokun
At the request of the traditional ruler, the Amir formally commissioned the Oja-Oba Market at Ibokun and educated marketers on the dos and donts of a market place using Medinah Market as a template
Barrister Alatoye said: “It’s Almighty Allah’s instruction to establish a market. You should not cheat nor play pranks on marketers. Do your marketing rightly and sell only Halal products. Kindly guide against market manipulation, the market management team must embrace peace and justice.”
The Amir later led special prayers on the establishment of the market which, hitherto, had not been successful.
Amir addresses members on unity
The Amir enjoined all members of the organization in all the branches visited to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence among themselves, thereby maintaining their status as true reformers.
“There can be no unity and cohesion where there is hatred, for one another. Let us respect each other with humility let us embrace a positive mind-set; justice and peace. Opinions of everyone must be respected and more importantly, let’s be submissive to the constituted authority and institution of Khalifah,” Barrister Alatoye submitted.
School foundation laying at Ajoda
As a pioneer founder of Islamic and Western Education and humanitarian services in Nigeria, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria plans to establish primary and secondary schools as well as a medical center in Ajoda Town along the Ibadan – Ife Expressway, Oyo State. The foundation bricks of a block of classrooms were thus laid by the national head during the tour.
The team thereafter inspected the 10 acres of land belonging to the Muslim Community.
Other members of the National Executive that accompanied the Amir include the Missionary Incharge, Maulana Afzaal Ahmad Rauf; Naib (Deputy) Amir, Finance & Administration, Engr. Mufadhil Bankole; the General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas O. Iromini; the National Secretary External Affairs, Engr. Hassan Sunmonu and Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Youth Leader) Dr. Taofeeq Sanni.
