Muslims Should Remain Peaceful and Steadfast In Faith – Elemure

Just like other Muslims celebrate Eid-el Fitr across Nigeria, the Elemure of Emure-Ile kingdom , HRM Oba Simeon Adedubaje Adeyefa (I) JP has charged the entire Muslim Community in the ancient town to remain peaceful and steadfast in faith when critical stakeholder led by Alfa Kebe under the league of Imams and Alfas paid a lot visit to the palace. 

This visit , although now a tradition,was embarked upon by the Ulamas after the call for spiritual cleansing, conscience reawakening for muslims and peaceful co-existence with other people and tolerance with other religions by Alfa Abdul-Azeez Abdu-Kareem.

Mr Fajolu Sikiru, one of the stakeholders while introducing the members of the league mentioned the unavoidable absence of the Chief Imam, Alh. B. B. Ijawoye due to brief illness .However, he fervently prayed for his speedy recovery and more cordial relationship between Elemure -In- Council and the league as well as EDC and other administrative organs in future. He further appreciated the Elemure-In-Council for working smoothly with EDC to bring about a new kingdom.

According to Alfa Abdul-Kareem Abdul-Azeez ( Ojo Kebe) while speaking on behalf of the Ch. Imam congratulated the first-class monarch on the elevation of Elemure Stool by the Akeredolu-/led administration. He also maintained that Allah ( SAW) is always fighting for the kingdom. Ojo Kebe as he is fondly called by all then prayed for the good welfare of both natives and non-indegenes , and for more rewarding dividends of democracy as currently witnessed in the town. 

Speaking further, Kebe frowned at the cold treatment often meted out to the muslim community in the town as he told Elemure that the absence of the entire chiefs from the palace during the courtesy call was extremely discouraging and provoking. He reminded the Kabiyesi of the popularity of Islam in the kingdom since 1833. He particularly mentioned that nearly all the thirteen families in the kingdom were muslims including the high chiefs like Pa Lawal Okunyaso, Pa Elema Ogunrayewa, Olosi Ajagunla, Pa Olijin Osebeleje, Pa Osho Aika , Pa Sarumi Akelebe, Pa Yusuf Atannye, Pa Ateekanri ,Pa Yusuf Daramola , Pa Oliji Naibi and host of others. 

“Today most of these families have converted to Christianity. The present location of the mosque was previously occupied by the CMS Anglican Church. They were driven away by Pa Ogbo, a great herbalist,who was a thorn in the flesh.of the Christians many years back.However,the place was later occupied by the muslims as most high chiefs and critical stakeholders embraced Islam. Ogbo couldn’t do anything… Then mosques were built around the palace and the market. So ,Arefe Market and the Elemure Palace are stone-throw from the mosque even till this day “. 

He then pleaded with the Kabiyesi to begin to do things in a new way that shall befits the status of the kingdom not forgetting that Chief Imam is son of the soil who will never be transferred to any where and that his Second-In-Command, High Ch. Fajolu Salaudeen as well as few other chiefs are muslims.. 

” In most towns in Owo LGA, Muslim Community are treated as veritable partners in progress. The Chief Imam is the oldest Imam and the longest tenured/ turbaned or serving Imam after Alh. Ahmed Aladesawe, the Chief Imam of Owo in the LGA . He concluded,” Alhaji B.B Ijawoye was turbaned in 1992.Let us make our Kingdom proud kabiyesi by involving the palace in all Islamic activities especially during the yearly If-tar programme of Owo Suburbs League of Imams and Alfas.”

The Elemure of Emure-Ile kingdom,HRM,Oba Simeon Adedubaje Adeyefa JP reiterated his steadfast commitment to the muslims, his constant support for the umah while pledging to look into the observations raised and made necessary adjustment .He prayed for the Muslim Community particularly speedy recovery for the Chief Imam who was unavoidably absent. 

Oba Adeyefa later pleaded with the entire muslim community to remain financially committed to the welfare of the Muslims as well as the expansion of the religion in tandem with the growth of the kingdom as partners in progress.

Peoplesmind