Makinde’s SSG, Commissioner ,Top Government Officials, Islamic Clerics, Traditional Rulers Grace Olatunji’s Historic Ramadan Lecture

Makinde’s SSG, Commissioner ,Top Government Officials, Islamic Clerics, Traditional Rulers Grace Olatunji’s Historic Ramadan Lecture•••As Cleric Charges Leaders on Fear of God, Commends Makinde, Famojuro, Olatunji for Outstanding LeadershipA renowned Islamic cleric , Daud Alawiye has reminded leaders and citizens alike that wealth without God’s fear carries no true blessing, urging those in positions of authority to prioritize integrity and righteousness over material accumulation.The cleric stated this while delivering a Ramadan Lecture organized by the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government,Akeem Olatunji held at the recently commissioned Oluyole Multipurpose Hall, New Garage.

The Multipurpose Hall played host to its first spiritually uplifting and historic Ramadan lecture since its commissioning on Wednesday, drawing community leaders, religious figures, and political stakeholders from across Ibadan and Oyo State.

Eagles sight News reports that the well-attended event commenced with the rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem and was moderated by Salam Azeez and Comrade Bashorun Adeniji, popularly known as Saint Abbey.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Imam of Oluyole described the lecture as historic, noting that no local government chairman in the history of Oluyole had organised such a spiritually focused programme. He commended the council chairman for what he described as leadership rooted in the fear of God.

The Chief Imam offered prayers for divine guidance and protection for the chairman, who also holds the revered title of Baba Isale Musulumi of Oluyole. He prayed against any form of misunderstanding that could create division between the chairman and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, as well as his close political associate, Otunba Seye Famojuro. Special prayers were also said in Islamic rites for the guest lecturer, Daud Alawiye, ahead of his presentation.

Representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, Aruna I, the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII),Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole commended Governor Makinde for what he described as remarkable developmental strides in the state. He noted that although the governor is not a Muslim, he has consistently demonstrated commitment to the Muslim community even before assuming office, adding that he completed the Olubadan Palace project.

Delivering the lecture titled “God Consciousness (Taqwa) as a Guiding Principle in Governance and Social Life,” the guest speaker began by offering prayers for Prophet Mohammed before delving into his message. He declared that there are three categories of people that must be honoured in society: politicians, Muslim clerics, and political associates, stressing that mutual respect among these groups is essential for peace and sustainable development.

During the lecture, he emphasised that the fear of God is the foundation of true success in governance and personal life. “Whosoever does not fear God may have money, but will not have Alubarika,” he declared. He explained that Alubarika (divine blessing) is what brings lasting value, peace, and fulfilment to wealth and position. Without it, material possessions would lack true meaning and sustainability.

According to him, Satan does not draw near to individuals who genuinely fear God. He noted that many great figures who rose from humble beginnings attained their status because they upheld the fear of God.

He further stated that it is the fear of God that qualifies a person to inherit Aljana (the kingdom of God), stressing that righteousness must guide both leaders and followers. Addressing women, he urged them to fear God in their marital relationships, citing Islamic teachings where women who complained about their husbands’ stinginess were advised to take only what was sufficient for their needs.

He also cautioned political office holders against internal conflicts, urging cooperation among appointees and elected officials within Oluyole Local Government. Unity, he said, is essential for progress and effective governance.

Charging the council chairman directly, the cleric reminded him that no one truly owns power or position. “It is God who gives position, wealth, and riches,” he said, praying for divine guidance and wisdom for the chairman to lead with humility and integrity. He encouraged attendees to always seek elevation through righteousness and to pray for God to place them in positions of influence for the benefit of society.

The lecture concluded with special prayers offered for all dignitaries in attendance, seeking divine guidance, protection, unity, and continued success in their respective offices and responsibilities.

Speaking to Eagles Sight News after the lecture, the Oluyole council chairman, Engr Akeem Olatunji said he organised the lecture to draw people closer to God , foster unity and to commit the next election into His hands. He explained that the lecture was also intended to instil the fear of God in the lives of everyone, reminding them that they shall give account of all their actions. “Just as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is guided by good governance, accountability, transparency, and integrity, we too must ensure that our actions reflect these values,” he added.

The event drew an array of distinguished personalities, including political and government leaders such as Barr Babatunde Tijani (Double T), Prof. Musibaudeen Babatunde, SSG, Dr. Debo Akande, DG of OYSADA and Special Assistant to the Governor on Agribusiness, Hon. Mogbonjubola Abdul Mojeed, Commissioner for Works, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, Chairman of the Local Government Service Pension Board, Hon. Waheed Akintayo representing Oluyole State Constituency, Hon. Adeyinka Kazeem, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Popoola Olaide (Settle), former Chairman of Oluyole LG, and Hon. Ibrahim Salami (Dikko), Chairman and Sole Administrator of Pacesetter Transport Service.

Religious leaders included the guest lecturer, Imam Daud Alawiye, Chief Imam of Oluyole LG, Alhaji Toliat Abdul Azeez, and Alhaji Imam Ibiyemi, Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas of Akorede LCDA. Traditional rulers present were Baale Olounde Ige, Baale Oleyo (Chief Kabiru Olajide), the Elegbeda of Egbeda, and Hon. Kamorudeen Idowu representing PMS Chairman Hon. Wasiu Tomiwa (Tommy).

Women leaders were represented by the First Lady of Oluyole, Alhaji Balikis Olatunji, and the mother of Engr. Akeem, Alhaja Olatunji. Various groups such as GSM Advocates, Sarsino Ladies, and the Media Team were also in attendance. Among Oluyole political leaders and party executives present were Alhaji Nasiru Hamzat, PDP Chairman, Oluyole; Alhaji Mukaila Adegbola, former PDP Chairman; Hon. Ayuba Balogun, former Commissioner for Industry, alongside market men and women, supervisory councillors, special assistants, and other political stakeholders.