Bolaji Obabiyi (intern)
The Itesi Muslim Ummah (IMU) on Saturday held a fundraising appeal for the remodeling and renovation of the historic Itesi Central Mosque in Abeokuta, as well as turbaning and investiture ceremony
Penpushing reports that the event, held at St. Peter Claver’s Convent School Compound in Itesi, Abeokuta, attracted eminent Islamic scholars, traditional personalities, respected community leaders and members of other faiths, reflecting the shared spirit of harmony within the Itesi community.
The Balogun Musulumi of Itesi, Asiwaju Kamal’Deen Akintunde, in his welcome address described the day as a significant milestone, reaffirming the collective commitment to revitalize the mosque which has served as a pillar of unity and spiritual refuge for decades.
Penpushing further reports that Akintunde explained that the conferment of titles was designed not only to honour past contributions but also to inspire a stronger sense of responsibility among the newly installed chiefs.
The Balogun Musulumi stated that all proceeds from the ceremony would be devoted strictly to the mosque renovation project and called on all religious institutions to uphold building regulations.
Penpushing also reports that he stressed that faith-based organizations must set examples in promoting orderliness, safety, and community development, and emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence and celebrated the presence of Christian leaders at the event as a demonstration of lasting interfaith harmony.
The turbaning featured the elevation of distinguished men and women whose contributions have continued to uplift the Itesi Muslim community, and they include Alhaji Chief Muh. Shansaliyu Adeola Adeleke Adeniji, who received the title of Olori Adeen of Itesi, Abeokuta.
Penpushing reports that Alhaji Abdul Waheed Owolabi Folorunsho was installed as the Saraki Adeen of Itesi, while Alhaji Taofeek Adisa Shorunke was honoured as Akinrogun Adeen of Itesi, while some women leaders were equally recognized.
They include Mrs. Kuburah Abiodun Omowunmi, conferred as the Balogun Alasalatu of Itesi; Mrs. Mujibat Aweni Sanni Waheed, honoured as Ekerin Alasalatu of Itesi; and Mrs. Simbiat Okuribido, who became the Bada Alasalatu of Itesi.
Penpushing further reports that others included Alhaji Semiu Owolabi Shittu as Baba Adeen of Itesi; Alhaja Isiwat Ayoka Sogunle as Seriki Alasalatu; Alhaja Lateefat Shorunke as Agbesinga Alasalatu; Imam Abdul Hameed Abdussalaam as Ekerin Olomokewu and Alhaja Rasheedat Apinke Adegbola as Saraki Alasalatu.
The others are Ustaz Adeniyi Abdul Rasheed Kehinde as Balogun Olomokewu; and Fadilatu Sheikh Imam Abdul Rofi Adisa Akolawole Solahudeen as the Mufassir of Itesi, Abeokuta, while their installation was celebrated as a renewed pledge to elevate the standard of Islamic leadership within the community.
Penpushing also reports that former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji (Amb.) Sarafa Tunji Ishola, while speaking at the event, encouraged the new chiefs to provide exemplary leadership.
The Ambassador emphasized on unity, moral discipline and service to the Ummah and reminded them that a mosque belongs to no individual or community but solely to God, noting that those who build or support mosque projects do so in expectation of divine reward.
Penpushing reports that Ishola equally urged Muslims to remain committed to the five pillars of Islam as the foundation of responsible religious life.
The Co-Chairman of the ceremony Engr. Abdul Hameed Femi Omotayo, highlighted that the renovation project aims to transform the mosque into a beautiful and spiritually uplifting edifice capable of attracting worshippers and fostering deeper community bonds.
Penpushing further reports that Omotayo who doubles as Chairman of the Ogun State Standing Committee on Musabaqah (OSCOM), stressed the importance of unity between Muslims and Christians.
The co-chairman described the presence of Christian representatives at the event as evidence of Abeokuta’s longstanding culture of peaceful coexistence, and on the issue of national security, pointed out that banditry affects all Nigerians irrespective of faith, urging collective efforts to ensure a safer country.
Penpushing also reports that the event co-chairperson, Olori Ameenah Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, equally lent her support to the call for faith-driven development and community cooperation.
The Grand Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’adalahi Ayinde Bamgbola, concluded the ceremony with prayers for the honourees, the success of the renovation project and the continued unity of the Itesi Muslim community.
Penpushing reports that the colourful ceremony ended on an atmosphere of hope, solidarity and renewed commitment, as residents and guests pledged their support toward transforming the Itesi Central Mosque into a modern place of worship that will stand for generations to come.
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