The Muslim community in Saki celebrated the exemplary service of its outgoing Chairman, Retired Commissioner of Police (CP) Alhaji Sulaiman Lawal Olalere Oroyinyin, with a grand send-forth ceremony held at the College of Nursing Sciences auditorium, Muslim Medical Foundation, Saki. The event, marked by fanfare and reverence, acknowledged Oroyinyin’s leadership achievements and ushered in a new executive team.
The Chairman of the occasion, former Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, commended Oroyinyin for his impactful tenure. Shittu emphasized the need for unity among Muslims and urged respect for elders in the faith to maintain harmony within the community.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Unity of Muslims: Sacrosanct,” Associate Professor Abdul Lateef Adekunle Owoade from the University of Ilorin stressed the importance of love, collaboration, and togetherness among Muslims, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He warned against political divisions and called for collective efforts to sustain unity.
Alhaji Kasali Adewale, Chairman of the Planning Committee, praised the unprecedented achievements under Oroyinyin’s leadership, which necessitated the grand recognition. He thanked individuals and groups who contributed in cash and kind to the event’s success, describing the planning process as all-inclusive.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a 2010 Toyota Corolla to Oroyinyin, alongside various gift items for other executive members, reflecting the community’s gratitude for their dedication.
In his farewell speech, Oroyinyin expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him the strength to serve as Chairman. He also extended his appreciation to the Muslim community for the opportunity and the trust placed in him to lead. He thanked them for their unwavering support, which enabled significant achievements during his tenure.
Oroyinyin praised his reliable and dedicated executive members, acknowledging their steadfast support and cooperation in serving Allah, which contributed to their collective success. He also commended the Planning and Shurah Committees for their exceptional efforts in organizing the event and ensuring its success.
He urged the incoming executives to strive for even greater accomplishments than their predecessors. He admonished them to uphold the trust and confidence the community has placed in them, ensuring they do not fall short of expectations.
In his goodwill message, Primate Samson Ojoawo described Oroyinyin as a man of God who fostered interfaith relationships. He also congratulated the incoming executive, led by Engr Yunus Gbadamosi Himus, expressing confidence in their capability to build on their predecessor’s successes.
Alhaji Abdul Raheem Oyedemi Muslim, a former Commissioner for Works in Oyo State, lauded Oroyinyin’s tenure as unparalleled in the history of the Saki Muslim Community, crediting him with transformative achievements.
The newly inaugurated leadership, announced by the Shurah Committee led by Nurudeen Adesope and Qosim Afolabi, includes Engr Yunus Gbadamosi Himus as Chairman, with Alhaji Hammed Alawiye as the First Vice Chairman. Other executive members are expected to be unveiled later. In his acceptance speech, Engr Gbadamosi pledged to serve diligently and called for collective efforts to advance the community’s objectives.
Prominent dignitaries graced the occasion, including Sheikh Abdul Azeez Alajede Akeula, Chief Imam of Gbooro land; Senator Fatai Omotayo Buhari, represented by Alhaji Jimoh Azeez (J West); Hon. Shittu Ibrahim, representative of Saki West State Constituency; Hon. Waliu Abd Salaam, Minority Leader representing Irepo; Hon. Luqman Jimoh Ishola, representing Oorelope; and Hon. Abdul Rahman Tiamiyu Oyedokun, Vice Chairman of Saki West Local Government and Political Head of Wewe LCDA.
Others included Alhaja Taibah Olowolagba, Chairperson of the day; Alhaji Muftau Badmus, IPMAN Chairman for Saki West LG; Alhaji Waheed Towobola; Alhaji Raheem Akande, State Vice Chairman of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society; Alhaji Moshood Tunde Ahmed, Zonal Chairman of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society; Engr Sarafadeen Ahmed Ominrinde, former Chairman of Saki West LG; and Alhaji Sulaiman Aderogba, Seriki Musulumi of Saki.
Academics and other notable figures in attendance included Professor Dauda Ariya, Dr. YY Muslim, Salaudeen Liadi, and various community leaders.
The ceremony highlighted the Saki Muslim Community’s dedication to unity, development, and the celebration of exemplary leadership.
