Kunle ADELABU
Chief Imam (Alhaji) Quassim Olopade, Chief Imam, Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, (Ikorodu Mission) speaking at the the 10th edition of the annual Ramadan lecture in honour of Alhaja Kaosarat Abiru and Alhaji Wahab Oalseni Abiru, parents of the Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru in Ikorodu on Saturday
Special prayers from Muslim clerics and lecture marked the 10th edition of the annual Ramadan lecture in honour of Alhaja Kaosarat Abiru and Alhaji Wahab Oalseni Abiru, parents of the Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS), Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru.
The annual event, which had the presence of Islamic faithful, was held at the Regal hall and Events Centre located on I, Wahab Olaseni Abiru Close, Olu-Odo, off Ebute-Igbogbo, Ikorodu, on Saturday, May 18, 2019.
The theme for this year’s lecture was, “The Roles Of Leadership And Followers In Government: Islamic Perspective”, which was delivered by Chief Imam (Alhaji) Quassim Olopade, Chief Imam, Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, (Ikorodu Mission).
The event took off with an opening prayers and recitation from the Holy Quran by Ustaz Abdul-Quadri.
Alhaji Olapade, while speaking on the theme, stated that “leadership is important in any society, family and organization or setting to give direction, supervision and control of other people’s affairs”.
Citing Quran Chapter 22: 21, the guest lecturer stated that God sent Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to provide leadership to mankind.
“God said that those leading and those being led should learn at all times from Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), who was endowed with good knowledge, wisdom, good qualities and character, if they are to succeed in this life and Hereafter”.
L-R, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, the host, Chief Imam (Alhaji) Quassim Olopade, Chief Imam, Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, (Ikorodu Mission), Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly at the 10th edition of the annual Ramadan lecture in honour of Alhaja Kaosarat Abiru and Alhaji Wahab Oalseni Abiru
He stated that the Holy Prophet was able to coordinate and direct the affairs of mankind because of certain responsibilities which he listed as fear of God, equality, justice, foresight and provision for his followers and need for tolerance among others.
“People must understand that whomever that is leading has leadership attached to him by God but he must lead with the fear of God”, he warned.
“Equality is a good quality of a good leader, he must lead people in the same way.
“The law must be applied uniformly on the leaders and those that are following. There must not be separate laws”.
He stated that Saudi Arabia is saner and more just because the law governing the society is generally applied to everybody.
“Leaders must also be just in dispensing justice. He must develop the ability to listen to all parties and dispense justice with the fear of God”, the guest lecturer stated.
Chief Imam Olapade also stated that a good leader must not be too rigid or flexible but must find a way to balance the two in dealing with the people.
“A good leader must be ready to provide financial sucour to his followers when they are in need. It is because of this that God makes provision for Zakat.
“It is your responsibility to cater for them and provide for their needs at all times”, he stated.
He also said that a good leader must dialogue with his followers in taking decisions and leading them.
Alhaja Abiru (sitting 2nd R) front row with other women at the lecture
To the followers, the lecturer enjoined them to always give good advice to the leaders if they are to succeed in their task.
He also enjoined them to be obedient and also fear God.
Otunba Abiru, speaking during the programme, was full of appreciation for the Chief Imam, clerics, family members and friends for their supports since the commencement of the annual Ramadan lecture.
“I thank Chief Imam for the lecture and support since ten years ago when the lecture started and all the Imams that are with you.
“He thanked his wife, children and family members for their support at all times whenever. he calls on them for the programme and other events.
“I also want to thank the entirety of the Anwar-ul-Islam organization for their support at all times, likewise the Men’s Guild, friends and well-wishers.
“I cannot but also thank the staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly where I retired from. They are all here to give their supports.
Otunba Abiru (right front row), Otunba Rufai Adewale (2nd right), Hon. Sanai Agunbiade (3rd right) and other participants at the the 10th edition of the annual Ramadan lecture in honour of Alhaja Kaosarat Abiru and Alhaji Wahab Olaseni Abiru parents of Otunba Ganiyu Abiru in Ikorodu on Saturday
Special prayers were offered for Otunba Ganiyu Abiru and wife, Alhaja Abiru, his late parents and also for the continuation of the annual programme at the end of the lecture.
Some of the eminent personalities that attended the Ramadan lecture were the Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, former National Secretary, Ansar-ul-Islam, Otunba Rafiu Adewale, Chief Executive Officer, Labi Oasis Hotel, Alhaji Mukaila, a community leader, Comrade Kehinde Okeowo and the Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba among others.
Among the Muslim clerics at the event were Imam Nurudeen Jimoh, Imam AbdulRahman Adeoye, Imam Saheed Olona, Imam Hakeem Odele, Imam Idris Afolabi, Imam Ibrahim Sanni, and Imam Mukram Adeoye.
