Dawud Akinola Installed the New Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland

 

On Saturday, eminent personalities converged in Ibadan for the installation of Ibadan-based businessman, Dawud Akinola, as the new Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

 

According to reports, the position became vacant following the demise of Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, who was the last holder, on June 17, 2014.

 

Speaking at the installation, former Lagos state Governor, Bola Tinubu, who was the Chairman of the occasion, praised the late Arisekola-Alao, saying he was wealthy, humble and very generous in his life time.

 

Tinubu, who was represented by Governor Ajimobi, urged the new Aare to emulate the leadership style of Mr. Arisekola-Alao, whom he said devoted all he had to the upliftment of Islam and humanity.

 

"Anytime I look at the man to be turbaned today, I pity him because he would have to devote all he has to justify his new leadership status," he said.

 

In his speech, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Mr. Akinola to see his new position as an opportunity to lift Islam to greater heights.

 

Abubakar, who was represented by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary-General, NSCIA, said the new position was to rally the Imams for the development of Islam. He commended the League of Imam and Alfas in the South West for maintaining harmonious relationship and cooperation in the development of the religion at all times.

 

In his acceptance speech, Akinola, pledged to serve in the new capacity with all he was endowed with by God and would never let the people down. He said he would work in harmony with all Islamic title holders to improve on the legacy left behind by the late Arisekola-Alao during his life time.

 

The turbanning was carried out by the representative of the President-General, of NSCIA in conjunction with the President-General, League of Imams and Alfas, while the certificate was presented by Governor Aregbesola.

 

Prominent among the dignitaries at the occasion were Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, his Osun counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, Michael Adeyemo, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and many more.