Wale Jagun
It was a surprise and unexpected honour for Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, the Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial, as he was installed as the ‘Ekerin Adinni’ (fourth in line of leadership) of Ikorodu Central Mosque.
He was turbaned during the Juamat Service on Friday (yesterday) by the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division and Chief Central Mosque, Chief Imam Seifudeen Jamiu Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi.
The late Senator’s father, Late Honourable Justice Mubasheer Akanbi Abiru, who was also a Senator between 1979 and 1983, held the title in the same historic Mosque while alive.
Hundreds of Muslim faithful and residents of the Ijomu area came out enmasse in solidarity to identify and celebrate with the Senator on the title conferred on him.
“Today (Friday), we returned the ‘Ekeerin Jamiu’ to the Abiru family by conferring this title on Senator Tokunbo Abiru. You have taken over from where your illustrious father left. Your father did well and already paid your dues”, Imam Olowo-Oribi declared to the admiration of the cheering congregation.
The Chief Imam commended the federal lawmaker for his efforts in touching lives of others and for the fulfillment of promises that he made to the people while campaigning for office.
Imam Olowo-Oribi also recalled that over 2,500 vulnerable members of the public are benefitting from the monthly COVID-19 relief financial assistance from the Senator.
He added that the Senator has just presented bursary award to 600 tertiary institution students and that he has also constructed 24 classrooms and 16 toilets at Aga Primary School among other laudable achievements.
Abiru, who was surprised by the honour conferred on him by the highly revered religious leader, thanked him and described his installation as “more than blessings of Jumat”.
“I got a surprise honour as ‘Ekerin Adinni’ of Ikorodu”, Senator Abiru said in a release.
“I was at the historic Ikorodu Central Mosque, Ijomu, to observe the Jummah prayer on Friday. I got more than the blessings of Jummah. I was given a heroic reception and was turbaned as the Ekerin Adinni of Ikorodu.
“I thank him (Chief Imam) for this turbaning. It is a surprise. It was this morning that I told Baba (Imam) that I am in Ikorodu today and I will ensure I observe my Jummah prayer here. I didn’t know that I would be turbaned at the Mosque. I really appreciate this.
He assured that his deeds are selfless and not for any personal gain.
“So, on this journey, I want to assure you that I am serving selflessly, not seeking personal interest, just like what Baba (Chief Imam) said, even before we started collecting any money in Abuja”, Senator Abiru said.
“It will interest you to know that I didn’t pick a single soul among these 2,500 people. Across the entire 98 wards, I ensured that we reached out to the needy”
