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The Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi Odundun ll, on Saturday, hosted the 2nd Annual IFTAR, breaking of Ramadan fast, with Akure Muslim Community in his Palace.
Caretaker Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Barrister Gbenga Olaniyi.
The first class traditional ruler stated that the annual event was to demonstrate his love for the Muslim faithful and promote religious unity in his domain.
The second edition of Iftar with Deji was attended by notable Islamic faithful at the Palace yard, according to a statement sent to The DEFENDER by Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Mr. Michael Adeyeye.
Oba Aladetoyinbo declared that religious harmony in his domain among different faiths was responsible for rapid development and economic prosperity being witnessed and experienced by inhabitants of the Ondo State capital city.
On the occasion, the royal father, who said he decided to start the iftar last year’s Ramadan for the first time in the history of the Deji’s Palace, acknowledged fervent prayers of the Muslim community for the growth, tranquility and progress of Akure.
From Right: Mufasir of Akure Land, Alhaji Moshood Raji Kewuyemi, Akure South LG Caretaker Chairman, Barrister Gbenga Olaniyi, Grand Imam of Akure Land, Sheikh Yayi Akorede, Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, and other dignitaries at the Ifar on Sunday 2 June 2019.
Oba Aladelusi called for peaceful coexistence and tolerance among various religious groups in the country.
“I appreciate Muslims prayers for me and this town Akure, we must reciprocate this gesture in a little way. Since last year that I started this iftar, I can feel and I know the rate at which this town is witnessing progress and tranquility. Please don’t relent in praying for us, I know Muslims will always pray with their heart. I thank you for your prayers always”.
The traditional ruler who declared every 27th of Ramadan as “IFTAR DAY WITH THE DEJI”, said such date was necessary to institutionalize the Islamic programme.
In his remark, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede, described the gesture by the monarch as unprecedented in the history of Akure Kingdom.
Muslim faithful, with whom the Deji of Akure broke Ramadan fast on Sunday 2 June 2019, in the Palace Yard, Akure, Ondo State capital.
Sheikh Akorede, who also paid tribute to the immediate past Deji of Akure, late Oba Adebiyi Adesida for starting the construction of first Mosque inside the Deji’s Palace, described as legendary the disposition and love of Oba Aladelusi to Muslims since he ascended the throne few years ago.
The Chief Imam, who said the Deji always attends Islamic programmes in Akure despite being a Christian, prayed for long reign and good health for Oba Aladetoyinbo to achieve further progress and development for Akure.
In a short address, the Caretaker Chairman of Akure South local Government, Barrister Gbenga Olaniyi said the government of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu would continue to support every religious group and would not discriminate against Islam.
Olaniyi also pledged the support of the local government to the sustenance of the Deji’s Iftar every year.
The Mufasir of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Moshood Raji Kewuyemi, delievered the special lecture at the occassion.
Other highlight of the event includes special prayers, Modiu Nabiyy, reading from the holy Qur’an, and breaking of fast with the Muslim faithful by the royal father.
Important dignitaries at the occasion included Alhaji Mustapha Quadri, who incidentally comes from the Abibiri Ruling House, Isolo Akure and is the Seriki Musulumi of Akure Muslim Community, Alhaji Jimoh Soliu Obagbuagun, the Sha’aba of Akure Muslim Community, Chief Alasaro Adinni Alhaji Yusuf Oweh, popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muhammed Kewuyemi, former Chairman Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Abiodun Jimoh, Alhaja Hon. F I Gidado, the Iya Adinni of Akure Kingdom and other Muslim women, chiefs, the Amirahs of all women organisations in Akure, AYIIS, youth organizations, among others.
