Kunle Adelabu
The popular Islamic cleric, His Eminence, Fadilat Sheikh Dr Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, the Al Mufty Ilorin, lifted the spirit of Muslim congregation with a thought-provoking lecture delivered with a deep knowledge of the Holy Quran, as he joined the Ikorodu Division Muslim Community (IDMCO) in celebrating the Maolud Nabiyy (the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH).
The occasion, which was used in raising funds for project in propagation of Islam, was held at the IDMCO Islamic Centre, Itamaga, along Ijede Road, Ikorodu, at the weekend.
In attendance at the celebration, which started several hours behind the scheduled, were the Grand Chief Imam, Ikorodu Division, His Eminence, Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi who led the other five Chief Imams in Ikorodu Division – Fadhilat Sherik Abdullah Tanimose Andu, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Fadhilat Sheikh Marufdeen Kolawole Adam Orogbogbo, Imota LCDA, Fadhilat Sheikh Sulaimon Akinjobi, Ijede LCDA, Fadhilat Sheikh Mushafau Folorunsho Aridegbe Kosoko, Ikorodu West LCDA and Fadhilat Sheikh Musa O. Abidemi Eni Ijaoba, Ikorodu North LCDA, to the event.
Also at the celebration were Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, Special Adviser on Rural Development, and other guests.
There were Quranic recitations by Alfas from different council areas in the division.
Also at the event, each of the six Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ikorodu Division, led by their respective Chief Imams, took part in the procession and homage to the Council of Imams and other guests at the event.
The guest lecturer, Fadilat Sheikh Dr Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, commended the Islamic clerics whom he said are the representatives of Allah, especially the Imams whom he said occupy the highest position that a man can attain in life.
He enjoined Muslim faithful to always appreciate them for their services.
Onikijipa, who said that an Imam cannot aspire for any other position again after attaining the height in life, also charged them to always guide their children in their path while they are in position.
He said that it is compulsory for Imams to nurture their children into Imamship while alive.
While emphasizing the importance of Imamship, Onikijipa stated that every other person, no matter their position or authority, will always queue behind the Imams.
The guest lecturer, who also commended the unity and acceptance of the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division by others, said that such act helps the development of Islam.
