Apelogun Hails Ansar-Ud-Deen As Vanguard Of Islamic Education, Moral Reformation

… Prays for Long Life and Strength for Imam Badmus

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – Alhaji (Prince) Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, popularly known as “All-Rounder,” the Asíwájú Adeen of Ogun State and Bàbá Adeen of Remoland, has described the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria as a vanguard of Islamic education, Daʿwah, and moral reformation across generations.

The Ogun State Amir Hajj made this statement on Sunday, September 14, 2025, during the 20th Turbaning Anniversary and 40 years on Minbar of Alhaji Imam Sheu Alade Adegbite Badmus, Chief Missioner of ADS Ilaro Branch and Chief Missioner of ADS Yewa Zone.

According to Apelogun – “From its inception in 1923, the society has stood as a pillar of truth, a champion of education and a defender of Islamic values in our land. The Ilaro Branch continues to uphold these cherished traditions, and by organising this memorable occasion, it has once again demonstrated its resolve to honour those who embody the principles of Islamic leadership.”

Alhaji Apelogun noted that the legacies of great men are not written in ink but in the lives they touch. He said Imam Sheu Alade Adegbite Badmus has touched countless lives – on the Minbar, in the mosque, in the community, and within families – leaving indelible marks of wisdom, guidance, and moral courage.

He further stated that for forty years, Imam Badmus has embodied the noble Qur’ānic charge of standing as a guide, teacher, counsellor, and beacon of light to the Muslim Ummah and the wider society.

Apelogun stressed that the Imam Adegbite’s forty years on the Minbar represent not only personal dedication to the propagation of Islam but also the nurturing of generations who continue to benefit from his wisdom, humility, and scholarship.

He reminded the gathering that in Islamic tradition, the turban symbolises not just authority but also responsibility, dignity, and trust.

“To mark twenty years since his turbaning is to acknowledge the enduring influence of a leader who has worn that mantle with grace, discipline, and exemplary conduct”, he said.

He added, “Today, we gather not merely to felicitate with Imam Badmus, but to renew our own sense of duty to Islam, to strengthen the bonds of unity in our communities, and to recommit ourselves to the values of justice, compassion, and righteousness.”

Apelogun emphasised that the occasion, organised by the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ilaro Branch, is not just a celebration of longevity in service, but a testimony to steadfast devotion, moral leadership, and unbroken commitment to the path of Islam.

He concluded by praying that Almighty Allāh (Subḥānahu wa Taʿālā) grant Imam Sheu Alade Adegbite Badmus long life, sound health, and greater strength to continue to serve as a source of guidance and inspiration to the Muslim Ummah.

Delivering his lecture titled “Imam and Masjid,” at the event, the Chief Imam of Gbaguraland and Mufty of Egbaland, Imam (Prof.) Kamaldeen Balogun who also served as Guest Speaker at the event, 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 leads the Muslim faithful and urged him to remain steadfast in the service of Allah and humanity.