Islamic cleric sues for peace, stability in Epe

An Islamic Cleric and Chief Imam of Oke-Iposu Ratibi Mosque, Alhaji Imam Abdul Hafees Awesu has called on Muslims in Epe division and environs to drop acts that could threaten the peaceful co-existence with other religions in the area.

He urged them to engage in acts that would engender progress and development in the area.

Awesu spoke with journalists at the installation of the Chief Imam of First Epe Central Mosque, Okebalogun, Sheikh Sadallah Abdul Rahman Aliru as the Grand Chief Imam and President-General, League of Imams and Alfas, Epe Division.

He said the turbaning ceremony was moved from the venue earlier announced to give peace a chance and to prevent security breakdown based on the advice of the government and security agents.

“As law-abiding citizens, we changed the venue to the First Epe Central Mosque because of the ongoing annual Kilajolu masquerade festival by the Ijebu-Epe community,” he explained.

Awesu also highlighted the five criteria considered by the State Government in the selection of the Grand Chief Imam in the State.

While performing the turbaning, the President General, League of Imams and Alfas, Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Jamiu Keulere noted that Imam Sadallah deserved the position because of his vast Islamic knowledge and had made tremendous contributions towards the development of Islam in Epe and environs.

He implored the Muslim community in the division to support and cooperate with him to achieve the religious task he is saddled. He prayed to Allah to bless the position and give him the knowledge and wisdom to unite the ummah.

‘Today’s turbaning ceremony of Imam Sadallah is ordained by Allah, he deserved the honour. I, therefore, seek your unceasing support and prayers for him for a successful tenure,’ he said.

The Otun Seriki of Epe Kingdom, High Chief Musliudeen Odedeogboro called on him to work cooperatively with other Chief Imams and Ulamas in the division so that peace, progress and development could be achieved.

The Noeeb Imam of First Epe Central Mosque, Sheikh Shefiu Tukuru commended the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat and the entire cabinet for their swift intervention and commitment in maintaining law and order in the State. He expressed his appreciation to all well-wishers who contributed in no small way to enthrone peace and tranquillity in the division and for honouring the ceremony.