Sunday— December 15 was a turning point in religious leadership as Lagelu Chairman, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen united Imams and Alfas for historic turbaning of first-ever Grand Imam of Lagelu local government.
In a historic move towards strengthening religious harmony and leadership, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen, the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, has successfully brought together the league of Imams and Alfas to achieve a significant milestone in the religious landscape of the area. In a grand ceremony, Sheikh Waliyullahi Ayo Otegbeye got turbaned as the first-ever Grand Imam of Lagelu.
The event, held on Sunday at the Lagelu local government secretariat, Iyana-Offa, marked a turning point in the religious leadership of the community. For the first time, the local government witnessed a clear unification of Islamic leaders across the region, as the chairmanship of Kamorudeen played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and mutual respect among the diverse religious authorities.
“Speaking at the event, Hon. Kamorudeen commended the unity demonstrated by the League of Imams and Alfas, highlighting the importance of centralized leadership in guiding the Muslim community. He expressed his gratitude to key Islamic stakeholders for their collaboration in making the historic moment a reality. ‘This is a landmark occasion made possible by the collective efforts of every critical Islamic stakeholder,’ Kamorudeen said. ‘With Sheikh Waliyullahi Ayo Otegbeye as our Grand Imam, we are on a path toward greater unity, peace, and moral leadership that will shape the future of our community.’”
Sheikh Waliyullahi Ayo Otegbeye, a well-respected scholar known for his deep knowledge of Islamic teachings and commitment to interfaith dialogue, expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him by the community. In his address, he vowed to uphold the spiritual and moral values that Islam itself stands for, while working closely with religious leaders across the spectrum to foster peace and understanding.
The turbaning of the first-ever Grand Imam underscores the Kamorudeen administration’s commitment to ensuring religious institutions play a constructive role in societal development.
The historic occasion was attended by dignitaries, traditional rulers, and religious leaders from across the state. They included; Alhaji Dahood Makanjuola Akinola (D-Damak)- Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo & Delta; Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere- Grand Imam of Ibadan; Professor K.K Oloso; Hon. Akintunde Olajide Emmanuel- Member, Oyo State House of Assembly (Lagelu State Constituency); Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye- Member, Federal House of Reps (Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency); Elder Babatunde Tijani; Professor Dahood Sangodoyin- Oyo State Commissioner for Works; Elder. Oribayo Okeyode; Hon. Adetokunbo Adeaga- Chairman, Oyo CSDA; Alh. Wulemot Ibitoye- Oyo PDap Women Leader, Oloye Benedict Akika, and many others— all applauding the initiative of the Lagelu local government leadership in bringing about the important step towards religious leadership.
With this bold move, Hon. Mudashiru Kamorudeen has once again demonstrated his dedication to fostering a sense of common purpose among the people of Lagelu, and his support for positive leadership that transcends cultural and religious divides.
