Kunle Adelabu, Odede Efezino Kenneth & Mariam Akinloye
-Imam Oshoala describes President – elect as special creature
The Oriwu Central Mosque, Ikorodu, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, joined other religion centres in the state in organizing special service and prayer sessions in commemoration of the 71st birthday anniversary of the President – elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The session was held at the ultra – modern Oriwu Central Mosque located at the Ikorodu garage roundabout with chieftains and Islamic scholars under the mosque, in attendance.
Asiwaju Tinubu has requested that special prayers be held throughout the country to mark his birthday.
His Eminence Fadhilat Shiekh Yahya Olorunosebi Oshoala, Chief Imam, Oriwu Central Mosque, addressing the congregation, said:
“Our gathering here is nothing more than thanksgiving. We should know that this thanksgiving is being organised in different parts of the state and country. It is centered on our father, Akanda Eda (special being), Akanbi (born for a special purpose), and our father, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is the reason for this thanksgiving organized to celebrate his 71st year on earth”, Imam Oshoala said.
“I always said that Asiwaju is a chosen one. He is a special creature. I am not talking about religious bigotry or monetary assets or intellectual capability, but this man combines everything together.
“He is a wonderful man, though, we are not that close, I have been able to meet him once or twice, but I can see the special work of Allah that he has been sent to do something”, the Islamic cleric said.
Describing Tinubu as the most successful politician, Imam Oshoala who said that the President – elect fought gallantly for the entrenchment of democracy, also added that he has been able to penetrate every part of the country to make his brand acceptable.
“The most successful politician today (in Nigeria) to me is Asiwaju Tinubu. Baba Awolowo was regarded as the best president we never had, but he was not able to penetrate the other regions. He was not able to penetrate the Northern and Eastern regions. He was only in control of the Yoruba nation”, the cleric said.
“During the time of Abiola, there were two parties, the NRC and the SDP. There was no option for any region to claim the ownership of one part.
“But Tinubu broke through the North and the East, to emerge winner and became the President – elect.
“He fought for the democracy; he suffered for it; he was tortured, locked up and he was humiliated and almost killed, but he stood firm”, the Oriwu Central Mosque Chief Imam said.
Sheikh Oshoala, who also said that he’s still in awe of Tinubu’s emergence as Governor of Lagos State, added that he took his time in putting together formidable team that eventually turned the state around.
“What surprised me most is that for the first six months that he was elected as the governor, he did nothing than to bring people of knowledge; those who are experts in various aspects of administration to assist him in the development of the State. He brought them together somewhere at Eti-Osa to brainstorm”, he said.
“They brainstorm and brought out template which was followed. What even surprised more, was that he had Igbo men in his cabinet. He gave them offices, whereas these post are meant for Lagosians. He brought them in because he regarded them as part of us”.
Oshoala also recalled that Asiwaju Tinubu has made many men who today are occupying top positions in the state and country and many that had also been in various positions, to buttressed that he’s a special being.
“We need to celebrate such a man and I have my respect, my love for him. He has a goal which he continues to pursue and God gave him the confidence; positive confidence which made him acclaimed; ‘Emilokan’ and truly, it was his time”, Sheikh Oshoala said.
“Tinubu is a man to be reckoned with. So many people hate him, but for me, he is a man to be reckoned with. I congratulate him”.
The Chief Imam, who said that Tinubu as the President – elect needs no advice, charged him to use his capacity which was deployed in administering Lagos as the former governor, in adminitrating the country.
The Islamic leader asked the President – elect to execute the template that he has presented as his campaign agenda in giving Nigeria the much desired direction.
Ustaz Abdul Ganiy Ojifini, Mufasir, Oriwu Central Mosque, in his lecture, said that God approved the Muslim – Muslim ticket of Asiwaju Tinbu and Sen. Kassim Shettima.
He and others offered special prayers for the President – elect for successful tenure and ability to manage the country effectively and efficiently.
Other chieftains in attendance were Skeikh Tajudeen Ojifini, Olori Alfa (Head of Alfas), Oriwu Central Mosque, Sheikh Imam Abiodun, Eketa Jamiu, Sheikh Ahmod Habeeb, Chief Imam, Ori – Okuta Central Mosque and Chairman, League of Imams, Oriwu Central Mosque, Sheikh Uthman Oloro and Chief Imam, Oloro Central Mosque.
