Startrend International Magazine For Your Latest News And Entertainment Gists
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Chief Imam of Gbaguraland and Mufti of Egbaland, Imam (Prof.) Kamaldeen Balogun, has described Alhaji (Imam) Shehu Alade Adegbite Badmus as a devout Muslim, a true servant of Allah, and an Islamic scholar of high repute.
Prof. Balogun made this known on Sunday, September 14, 2025, during the 20th Turbanning Anniversary and 40 Years of the Minbar Celebration of Imam Adegbite, held under the auspices of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ilaro Branch.
Delivering his lecture titled “Imam and Masjid,” the Mufti, who also served as Guest Speaker, revealed that although he initially had no personal acquaintance with Imam Adegbite, but he accepted the invitation after receiving glowing commendations from Chief Imam Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque.
According to him, Imam Adegbite was described as a complete gentleman, deeply intelligent, and a humble scholar – traits that convinced him of the worthiness of the celebrant.
Prof. Balogun praised Chief Imam Adewunmi as a man of integrity whose recommendations should never be doubted, emphasizing that the presence of numerous dignitaries at the event and the rich details of Imam Adegbite’s biography testified to his noble character and contributions to Islam.
The Mufty prayed for Allah’s continued guidance upon Imam Adegbite as he led the Muslim faithful and urged him to remain steadfast in the service of Allah and humanity.
Prof. Balogun divided his lecture into four parts – Nigeria, Ilaro, Who is an Imam? and How Best to Celebrate Imam Badmus Adegbite?
On Nigeria, he lamented that despite the nation’s immense human and natural resources, true and humane leadership remains lacking.
He decried the growing inequality between the rich and the poor, describing the current democracy as “demon-crazy”, where positions of authority often go to the highest bidder rather than the most deserving.
Prof. Balogun called on leaders to govern with the fear of God, to prioritize the welfare of citizens, and to ensure justice, fairness, and equity in governance.
Speaking about Ilaro, The Mufty of Egbaland emphasized that the greatness of a town reflects the quality of its spiritual and moral leaders.
He congratulated the people of Ilaro for having Chief Imam Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi as their spiritual head, describing him as a true Prophet of Allah and a blessing to the town.
On the qualities of an Imam, Prof. Balogun explained that an Imam is not merely one who leads prayers, but a representative of Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW), endowed with knowledge, sincerity, integrity, and compassion for his followers.
He maintained that a mosque’s worth is not in its structure but in its purity, spiritual atmosphere, and the sincerity of its worshippers.
Prof. Balogun advised Imams to ensure cleanliness and sanctity in their mosques, making them places where prayers are truly accepted by Almighty Allah.
Concluding his lecture, Prof. Balogun urged the congregation to celebrate Imam Adegbite as “Abdullah” – a true servant of Allah who has dedicated his life to Islamic propagation and moral reformation.
The Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji (Prince) Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, the Asiwaju Adeen of Ogun State and Baba Adeen of Remoland, described the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria as a vanguard of Islamic education, Da’wah, and moral renewal.
He lauded Imam Adegbite’s four decades of service on the Minbar, noting that his impact as a teacher, counsellor, and community leader has transformed countless lives.
He emphasized that “the legacies of great men are not written in ink but in the lives they touch.”
The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukmon Olalekan Kuoye, PhD, described Imam Adegbite as a respected and intelligent scholar whose life exemplified devotion to Allah.
Oba Kuoye prayed for the celebrant’s long life and continued service to the faith.
Also, the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Yewa, Oba Ololade Makinde, congratulated Imam Adegbite on his double celebration, hailing him as both an Islamic scholar and an educationist who has positively influenced many young people.
In her remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. (Chief) Mrs. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, praised Imam Adegbite for his exemplary life of service, integrity, and devotion to God and humanity.
Representing the Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Abraham Babatunde Ogunsola, the Vice Chairman, Hon. Moruf Bankole, commended Imam Adegbite for his unwavering commitment to the propagation of Islam and his immense contributions to education.
Hon. Bankole explained that the council chairman would have loved to attend in person but was unavoidably absent due to an official assignment for the state.
He noted that his presence at the event was in dual capacity – representing the council chairman and serving as Special Guest of Honour.
The Vice Chairman thanked the people of Yewa South for their continued support and urged them to sustain their loyalty to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the Yewa South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Abraham Ogunsola.
Hon. Moruf Bankole prayed that Almighty Allah grants Imam Adegbite long life and good health to continue his noble service to Islam and humanity.
In his goodwill message, the former Chairman of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ilaro-Yewa Branch, Alhaji (Chief) M. A. Allinson – who is also the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Eleshin Farms Nigeria – described Imam Adegbite as a talented Islamic scholar and a man of great moral strength.
He recalled their time working together during his tenure as chairman, at Ilaro branch of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, noting that the celebrant’s dedication and humility left lasting impressions.
Alhaji Allinson congratulated the celebrant and prayed that Allah continues to guide, protect, and bless him and his family.
Adding his voice to the glowing tributes, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Alhaji (Dr.) Mikail Akinde, represented by Dr. Wasiu Akinleke, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the life and impactful service of Imam (Sheikh) Alade Badmus Adegbite.
Dr. Akinleke described Imam Adegbite as an exemplary role model whose life embodied the virtues of piety, discipline, and intellectual excellence.
He lauded the celebrant’s remarkable achievements as both a revered Islamic cleric and a respected educationist, noting that his influence continues to inspire many within and beyond the academic community.
The Rector prayed that Almighty Allah grants Imam Adegbite enduring wisdom, sound health, and strength to continue his dedicated service to God and humanity for many years to come.
Also, the current Chairman of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ilaro-Yewa Branch, Chief Sebil Amoo Hamed, expressed appreciation to Imam Adegbite for his consistent support, which has contributed immensely to the success of his administration.
Chief Hamed described the honouree as not only a devout Islamic cleric, but also a seasoned administrator and educationist whose God-given wisdom has positively impacted countless lives.
The Chairman of the Tailoring Association of Nigeria (TAN) offered prayers for long life and good health for Imam Adegbite, so he may continue his service to Allah and humanity.
In his closing remarks, the Chief Imam of Ilaro Central Mosque, Imam Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, praised Imam (Sheikh) Alade Badmus Adegbite as a complete gentleman, seasoned educationist, and God-fearing leader.
He recalled the commendations given earlier by Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, describing them as a true reflection of the celebrant’s character and legacy.
The Chief Imam encouraged Imam Adegbite to continue exemplifying the virtues of a true Imam and to remain a source of inspiration to his congregation and community.
The former Amir Hajj of Ogun State concluded with prayers for divine blessings, guidance, and protection for Imam Adegbite, his family, and members of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, both at home and abroad.
In his appreciation, Imam (Shehu) Alade Badmus Adegbite expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty Allah for the grace to witness his 20th Turbanning Anniversary and 40 years of leadership on the Minbar.
He thanked all well-wishers, dignitaries, and supporters whose financial, moral, and spiritual contributions made the celebration a success.
“My special gratitude goes to all who stood by me in one way or another. Your support made this occasion a resounding success. I pray that Allah continues to be with you at all times”, he said.
He concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving, “On behalf of my family, ADS Ilaro, Yewa, and Ogun State, I say – Jazakum Llahu Khairan Jaza’an.”
The momentous celebration was graced by dignitaries from within and outside Ogun State, marking a memorable day of honour, faith, and reflection for the Muslim Ummah. They included Chief Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, Chairman of the day; Alhaja (Chief) Mrs. Rizqat Bolanle Idowu (Iyaloja of Ilaro), Chairperson; Rt. Hon.Bolanle Ajayi, Deputy Speaker, OGHA and Hon. Bankole Sheriffdeen, Vice Chairman YSLG, (represented YSLG Chairman);
Others were Alhaji Nafiu Ogundipe, Otun Baba Adinni of Ansar- Ud-Deen Mosque Ilaro; Alhaji T.A. Sanusi; Alhaji & Alhaja Allinson; Alhaji (Chief) Kamorudeen Adeoye, Baba Adinni of Oja-Odan; Alhaji Yaqub Mosokun; Alhaji Isiaq Fayomi, Chairman, ADS, Yewa Zone; Alhaji Surajudeen Oshikoya, Chairman, ADS, Ogun State and Alhaji Balogun Raheem Keshi, Secretary, ADS, Ogun State; Alhaji (Pharm.) M.A. Lawal and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed among a host of other dignitaries.
Also we’re Alhaji Ismail Adewale Balogun, former Chairman, YSLG; Alhaji Isiaq Aare; Alhaji (Prof) Nurudeen Oshinuga; Alhaji Maruf Adeyinka (ADEMAP); Alhaji (Dr.) Arikewuyo Kareem; Alhaji Shamsudeen Kareem; Alhaji Jelili Adisa Taiwo, Owode Egba ADS; Dr.James Orija, Dean, School of Communication, FPI; Dr.Olusegun Aluko, former Rector, FPI and Dr. Michael Durojaiye Joda.
Others were Alhaji Adeoti Baba Fareed; Alhaji Hashimi Hakeem; Alhaji Nureni Amusa, Treasurer, ADS, Ogun State; Alhaja Tamurat Dawodu; Alhaja Tawakalit Adebola (Asiri Abo Food Canteen); Alhaja Saidat Owolabi Ya Lateef and host of others.
Alhaji (Imam) Sheu Alade Adegbite Badmus was born on February 15, 1952, in the quiet settlement of Elepo near Gambari via Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to the family of Pa Gbadamosi Alao and Salamotu Alari Gbadamosi, both of blessed memory.
He began his early education at Baptist Primary School, Gambari via Ogbomoso between 1959 and 1965. He obtained his Modern III Certificate at Baptist Modern School, Ahoyaya, Ogbomoso, from 1966 to 1968.
Afterward, his father enrolled him in a local Arabic school to learn the rudiments of the Qur’an between 1968 and 1970 under the tutelage and mentorship of Alhaji (Imam) Lawani Akatapa, who was also the Islamic guardian to Pa Gbadamosi, his father.
Determined to deepen his Islamic knowledge, Imam Adegbite Badmus attended another Arabic school in Ogbomoso for further modern Arabic and Islamic education from 1970 to 1971, in fulfillment of his parents’ wishes.
In pursuit of higher Islamic and Arabic education, he proceeded to the Markaz Shahab Arabic and Islamic Institute under the proprietorship of Alhaji Sheikh Bukhari Adedimeji, where he spent four years (1971-1975) honing his Arabic education.
To complement his Islamic training with Western education, he gained admission to the renowned Ansar-Ud-Deen Teacher Training College, Ota, Ogun State, where he earned his Grade II Teacher Certificate between 1976 and 1979.
Not resting on his oars, Imam Adegbite Badmus advanced his education at the Ogun State College of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, where he obtained his NCE in English and Yoruba between 1981 and 1984.
His drive for professional excellence later took him to the University of Calabar, Cross River State, where he studied for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education between 1988 and 1993, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division.
Imam Adegbite Badmus teaching career began at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ado-Odo, Ogun State, where he served as an auxiliary teacher from 1975 to 1976. He later taught Islamic and Social Studies at Yewa (Egbado) College, Ilaro, from 1979 to 1981, and English at Obama Boys High School, Bakana, Degema Local Government, Rivers State, during his NYSC service year (1984–1985).
He subsequently taught English at Community Grammar School, Ebute-Igbooro, Yewa North local government of Ogun State (1985–1987), and at Emmanuel Commercial High School, Ilaro (1987–1997). He also served as an English teacher at Itolu Community High School, Ilaro (1997–2007), before becoming Vice Principal at Oronna High School (2007–2009) and later at Itolu Community High School (2009–2012), where he voluntarily retired from public service.
Imam Adegbite Badmus began his journey as an Islamic cleric in 1979 when he was appointed Assistant Missioner under the leadership of Imam Gazali Babarinde, the pioneer Imam and Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (ADS), Ilaro Branch.
He was responsible for delivering public lectures and conducting Islamic ceremonies for many years. In 1985, due to the old age of the then Imam, he was entrusted with the responsibility of leading Jumat services in addition to his duties as public lecturer.
Through his visionary leadership and spiritual guidance, Imam Adegbite Badmus contributed immensely to the growth and development of the ADS Ilaro Branch. Special recognition also goes to Alhaji Muibudeen Allison, former chairman of the ADS Ilaro Branch, for his unwavering support and encouragement, which helped elevate the branch to its current enviable status.
Imam Adegbite Badmus performed the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in 1992, sponsored by Alhaji M. A. Allison, and also embarked on the lesser Hajj (Umrah) in 2014.
Within the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, he has held several key positions, including Assistant Secretary, National Council of Missioners; Secretary, Ogun State Council of Missioners; Chairman and Head of Imams, Yewa Zone Council of ADS Missioners; and Imam/Missioner of the ADS Ilaro Branch.
Imam Adegbite Badmus has made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Islam at local, state, and national levels, touching many lives positively and leaving an enduring legacy.
Currently, Imam Adegbite Badmus serves as the Director of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Model Academy, Ilaro, a position he has held since its establishment in 2013.
To the glory of Allah, Alhaji (Imam) Sheu Alade Adegbite Badmus is happily married to Alhaja (Dr.) Tawakalit Adunni Adegbite Badmus, Head of Department, Library and Information Science, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and their marriage is blessed with wonderful children.
It is noteworthy that his official turbaning as Imam took place on September 11, 2005, conducted by Imam AbdulRahman Olarewaju Ahmed, the National and International Imam/Missioner of ADS.
This year marks 20 years since his turbaning and 40 remarkable years of his dedicated service as an accomplished and successful Imam of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Ilaro Branch.
The event was excellently coordinated by a well-structured committee comprising members of the ADS, Ilaro Branch, under the leadership of Alhaji B.A.L. Bello (Chairman); Alhaji R. Adegbile (Vice Chairman); and Alhaji S.A. Toriola (Secretary).
Other members of the committee included Mr. T. Odunewu; Alhaji (Chief) M.T. Ajibola; Chief B.J. Odetunde; Alhaji (Chief) Idris Bankole; Alhaji Ramon Ajibola; Alhaji Daud Ishaq; Mr. T. Adetunji; Mr. Sakibu Raji; Mr. Quasim Ajibola; Mrs. Banmeke; Mrs. F. Idowu; and Alhaja F. Bangbose.
The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of StarTrend Int’l Magazine and Online Platform, along with the crew, joined thousands of well-wishers to celebrate Alhaji (Imam) Shehu Alade Adegbite Badmus on the occasion of his 20th Turbanning Anniversary and 40 Years on the Minbar Celebration.
We wish him many more glorious years of service to God and humanity.
It was an atmosphere of admiration and goodwill as prominent personalities, religious leaders, and community figures gathered to celebrate Imam (Sheikh) Alade Badmus Adegbite for his steadfastness, scholarship, and service to humanity.
