Saki born prominent Islamic scholar and philanthropist, Dr. Mustapha Akanji, has urged Nigerians to pray for their political leaders and speak positively about their country for the betterment of the populace.
This charge was made on Sunday at Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba during his installation and turbanning as Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State by the League of Imams and Alfas of the state, led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakry Agbotomokekere.
Dr. Akanji further explained that, the establishment of hospital and the university in Saki formed part of his commitment to give back to the society, saying that his new title is a sacred trust to extend philanthropic gesture to more Muslims.
He also promised to inaugurate an office in Ibadan to continue his humanitarian service to needy Muslim and non-muslim in order to improve their standard of living.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakry Agbotomokekere described the new Fakhar-l-Muminin of Oyo State as a notable Islamic scholar whose charitable programmes and activities deserves recognition from The League of Imams and Alfas.
In his short sermon, the Mufasir of Ibadanland, Sheikh (Dr) Baari Adetunji enjoined Dr Akanji not to relent in his philantropic service towards the advancement of Islam, adding that charity remains the most profitable venture in the sight of Almighty Allah.
Grand Mufti of Sakiland, Sheikh Ibrahim prayed that Allah will assist the honoree to in leaving up to expectation of his new status.
Presenting the staff of office to Dr Mustapha Akanji, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi, Oyedepo lll, the Okere of Saki, described the honoree as a very humble and worthy ambassador of Sakiland.
In the same vein, the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Dr Teliat Yunus Ayilara, also observed a short special prayer for the honoree that Almighty Allah be pleased with him and grant him long life in sound health with abundance prosperity to prosecute more humanitarian service.
Highlights of the installation and turbanning ceremony was the presentation of the 2025 Toyota Landcruiser to Sheikh Abdulganiy Abubakry Agbotomokekere, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland by President Bola Tinubu, delivered by Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde.
Present at the event were Senator Yunus Akintunde, Prof. K. K. Oloso, Barr. Abdulwaheed Lawal, Chairman, MURIC, Oyo State chapter; Sheikh Ashim Atere, Chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing); members of Imam-in-Council of Chief Imam of Ibadanland; Chief Imams of eleven local governments in Ibadanland; Chief Imams from Oke-Ogun, Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa Zones; Alh. Daud Afolabi, Coordinator, NACOMYO; representatives of His Royal Majesty, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipade Lola, Olufon of Ifon Orolu, Ifon-Osun, Osun State; representative of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and other notable religious and community leaders.
