Kunle Adelabu
Shaykh Abdul Lateef Adeyinka Oshoala (As-Samadaani) on Sunday (yesterday) was turbaned as the Chief Imam, Global Congregation of Samadani Family at a well – attended ceremony.
The ceremony, which also doubled as the As – Samadani 2021/1443 Maolud Nabiyyi celebration, was themed, ‘lslam – Solution to World Crisis; Nigeria in Focus’.
The new Chief Imam was turbaned by Shaykh Alli Kosetan, Shaykh Tajudeen Ojifini, Shaykh Abdul Quadri Sulaiman Olomu and the representative of Shaykh Danfulani Modibo to the approval of hundreds of the congregation of As – Samadani family and guests.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Olukayode David Raji Balogun, the Eweye of Isiwu presented the new Chief Imam with the Staff of Office.
The representative of the guest speaker, Fadilat Sheikh Alhaji Danfulani Modiboh, identified deviation from God, lack of trust, love for oneself and hastiness of human beings to achieve everything as reasons why the country is in crisis.
He said that until people traced their ways back to God and adhere strictly to His instructions, there would always be crises.
He also admonished members of the As-Samadani Global Congregation and guests at the ceremony that patience and love are other solutions to the crises.
Meanwhile, the new Chief Imam, who was filled with joy seeing hundreds of members of the Islamic group and guests, including eminent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, state functionaries witnessing his installation, in his reaction, praised and gave adoration to Allah by loudly chanting, “Allah is the greatest”, “His greatness is immeasurable”, Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!! Allahu Akbar Kabirah!!!”, and dropped the microphone.
Shaykh Musa Toyyib Al-wajud, on behalf of Oshoala Ajagbemokeferi Family, said that the old Yoruba adage that said, ”A big elephant and his baby cannot lead at same time”, is outdated in view of present realities.
“This adage is outdated and inapplicable. Today, His Eminence Shaykh Samadaani is a prominent voice and his son is also taking his own lead role within the Isamic world”, he said.
“Allah made this possible and we beseech Him to grant you (the new Imam) wisdom, spiritual guide, understanding, good health and sound mind and long life to pilot the affairs of the Congregation”.
The Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, speaking with our reporter described the theme of the turbaning/maolud ceremony as apt in view of the happenings in the country.
He charged that citizens should take to the solutions proffered by the guest lecturer and return to God, engage in good deeds and love one another to have a peaceful society.
He also congratulated the new Chief Imam and entire As – Samadani family.
Mr Taopheeq Olorunjedalo Amodu described the turbaning as historic as the new Chief Imam of As – Samadani was installed same day his father, His Most Eminence Shaykh Yahya Oshoala Samadaani was installed as the Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque.
“The date, 24th of October, is significant and symbolic. Precisely, on this day, twelve (12) years ago, the father of the new Chief Imam, His Most Eminence Shaykh Yahya Oshoala Samadaani was turbaned as the Chief Imam of a gigantic mosque, Oriwu Central Mosque, Ikorodu, by Muslims of the town amidst fanfare”, he recalled.
“Equally today, the son, Shaykh Abdul Lateef Oshoala As-Samadaani has been turbaned as Chief Imam of another gigantic mosque, Haram Samadaani.
“Coincidence you want to say? No,it’s the Will of Allah (Hazawajallah).
“Students of history, particularly Islamic history, should creep in and tap from this recurring events.
“I beseech Allah to grant both father and son the enablement and required resources to sojourn unscathed and be successful in this clarion call”, he prayed.
Also installed at the ceremony were Alhaja Sekinot Longe as Iya Suna, Al – Ustaz Ibrahim Adegbola Fajemisi as Mukadam, Seyyidah Simbiat Arinola Oshoala as Mukadimot, Alhaja (Chief) Shakirat Omobowale Arowolo as Seyyidah/Asiwaju Obinrin, Chief Sikirat Shotomiwa as Seyyidah/Giwa Obinrin and Alhaja Kafilat Kuti as an awardee/Eeto Adeen.
Others honoured with awards were Alhaji Musaid Adeola G.A (Coach) and Alhaja Risikat Hamzat.
Eminent personalities that graced the occasion were His Most Eminence Shaykh Yahya Oshoala Samadaani, Chief Imam, Oriwu Central Mosque, Senator Mikhail Adetokunbo Abiru, the Senator representing Lagos East, Alhaji Abdul – Yekeen Oluwole Bakare (Father of the Day), Alhaji Toyin Majolagbe (Mother of the Day), Alhaji Abdulateef Olanrewaju, Otun Baba Adeen, Oriwu Central Mosque and Sheikh Luqman Abdul-Rasaq, Missioner, Ansar – Ul – Deen Society, Igbogbo branch, among many others.
