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…Applauds Religious Harmony In Yewaland
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, has commended the Muslim community in Ilaro and Yewaland for their peaceful coexistence among themselves and with other religious groups in the region.
Oba Olugbenle, who also serves as the Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, made this statement on Sunday, March 23, 2025, during the 2025 7th Ramadan Prayer & Lecture at his private palace at Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State.
The monarch revealed that since ascending the throne, he has never had to mediate in disputes involving Islamic organizations or between Muslims and other religious groups. He described this as a remarkable quality of the Muslim faithful that has further endeared them to him.
“Since I became the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, there has never been a time I had to settle disputes between any Islamic group and another or between Muslims and other religious sects,” Oba Olugbenle stated.
He further emphasized that this peaceful coexistence has greatly contributed to the prevailing harmony in Yewaland.
Acknowledging the leadership of key Islamic figures, the monarch praised Alhaji (Imam) Sheik Sikirulillah Babalola, President, League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State and Yewaland; Alhaji (Imam) Sheik Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, Secretary-General, League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State & Chief Imam, Ilaro Central Mosque and Alhaji (Imam) Sheik Akewukowo, Vice President, League of Imams and Alfas in Yewaland
He credited their leadership roles for maintaining the religious harmony that defines Yewaland.
Oba Olugbenle urged all religious organizations in Ilaro, Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria to emulate the Muslim faithful by fostering tolerance and peaceful relations.
He warned against religious crisis, calling on religious leaders to continually seek and preach peace.
The monarch extended his appreciation to members of the planning committee and individuals who provided moral and financial support for the event. He prayed for divine blessings upon them.
Following the Quranic recitation by Alfa Lateef Adeyemi, the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Barr. Abraham Ogunsola, delivered his goodwill message.
He observed that the Ramadan period fosters orderliness and peace, expressing his wish for such virtues to extend beyond the fasting season.
Accompanied by his Vice Chairman, Hon. Sheriff Bankole, and Comrade AbdulJabar Ayelagbe, Barr. Ogunsola also commended Oba Olugbenle for hosting the 7th Oba Olugbenle Annual Ramadan Prayer & Lecture, praying for divine blessings upon the monarch and his people.
In his welcome address, Alhaji (Imam) Sheik Sikirulillah Babalola, President of the League of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State and Yewaland, expressed gratitude to Oba Olugbenle for his generosity and consistent support for the Muslim community.
He described the event as an embodiment of the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SWT) and praised the monarch as a lover of Islam, praying for divine guidance in his service to humanity.
The Guest Lecturer, Alhaji (Imam) Khidir Al-Hassan Ewuoso, delivered a thought-provoking lecture on “The Role of Islamic Values in Enhancing Youth Productivity and Contribution to National Development in Nigeria.”
Imam Ewuoso described today’s youth – the Gen-Z generation – as individuals who constitute 60% of Nigeria’s population and are fast-paced and tech-driven.
“This group, often referred to as the ‘millennium age,’ relies heavily on artificial intelligence, making them reluctant to do things manually,” he noted.
While acknowledging their entrepreneurial spirit, boldness, and confidence, he cautioned that they need continued guidance from elders to navigate life with Islamic values.
Imam Ewuoso emphasized core Islamic principles, including: hard work – no shortcuts to success; honesty and sincerity in all endeavors; good intentions toward others and avoiding rash judgments.
He urged parents not to allow the economic challenges in the country to deter them from fulfilling their responsibilities. He challenged the youth to embrace hard work, discipline, and innovation to drive meaningful contributions to national development.
“Parents must not shy away from their parental duties but must guide their children along the right path,” he advised.
Speaking to StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform, Alhaji (Imam) Sheik Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi emphasized the importance of Ramadan fasting, citing Quran 2:183: “Oh you that believe, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness.”
He also thanked Oba Olugbenle for his unwavering support for Islam and prayed for continued blessings upon him, his family, his chiefs, and the entire people of Yewaland.
The event also featured a special prayer session for Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi and his 2027 ambition; Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle and the people of Ilaro, Yewaland, Ogun State, and Nigeria
In his vote of thanks, Dr. Mikhail Akinde, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the event, which was blessed with showers of rain.
He also thanked Oba Olugbenle for allowing them to serve in the course of Allah and prayed for safe travels for all attendees.
Among the distinguished attendees were the Olu of Imasayi, the Oniwoye of Iwoye, the Oloja of Oja Odan, the Alale of Ajilete, the Olodan of Odan Abuja, and the Olorile of Orile Gboko Lusada. Also present were Alhaji (Chief) Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, Chief Mufutau Olabimtan, Chief Deji Ogunleye, Hon. Haruna Egungbohun, and Alhaji Azeez Sanni Zolakaz.
Other notable dignitaries included Barr. Abraham Ogunsola, Chairman of Yewa South Local Government (YSLG); Hon. Sheriff Bankole, Vice Chairman of YSLG;; Comrade AbdulJabar Ayelagbe, Secretary of YSLG and Alhaji (Chief) Hassan Taiwo Ogogo.
Also in attendance were Chief Mustapha Adetayo, Alhaji M.A. Lawal, Dr. M.A. Akinde (Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro), Alhaji (Chief) Sunmola Adewale, Otunba Jamiu Balogun, Alhaji Kayode Inaolaji, Chief Wasiu Olawunmi, Chief & Chief (Mrs) Atinsola Amore, Chief Yemisi Oloyo, Baale Fagbohun, Alhaji (Prince) Lamidi Elegbede, and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, among many others.
The 2025 7th Oba Olugbenle Ramadan Prayer & Lecture, anchored by Alhaji Lukmon Adewunmi and Alfa Abd.Raqeeb Al-Miqdaamy, attracted dignitaries from across Yewaland and beyond, reinforcing the unity and religious harmony in the region.
