The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, on Friday, August 31, 2018 enjoined all Muslim faithful in Ikorodu to make sure that they have their Permanent Voters’ Card in order to be able to vote in the right candidate during the 2019 election.
The Oba, while speaking in his palace when the Muslim community staged this year’s Ojude Oba festival, advised the clerics to start enlightening their followers at the various Jumat services in Mosques to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). According to him, it was only through having their PVCs that they could vote in candidates of their choice in various elective offices at both National and State levels in the next elections. He, however, pointed out that their party of choice should be All Progressives Congress (APC). The Oba said the party has brought unprecedented dividends of democracy to the masses, especially in Lagos State.
The monarch also commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode for actively participating with the Muslims across the State. He said that the Governor should be emulated in terms of character and how he discharges his responsibilities as a leader. Oba Shotobi, however, praised Ikorodu Muslim Community Association (IMCA) for their yearly celebration with him after Eid-El-Kabir festival, stating that there was unity amongst Muslims and advised them to continue living together in peace and harmony.
The IMCA coordinator, Imam M. O. Rotinwa, advised Muslims to always contribute immensely to the cause of Allah. He urged them to emulate the undiluted faith exhibited by Ibrahim in the Quran, which became the Eid celebration. He also talked about getting a burial ground for Muslims. Rotinwa said this was very important and pleaded that IMCA would appreciate assistance from anyone to make their plan a reality.
Earlier in his lecture, Deputy Mufti, IMCA, Sheikh Abdul Wasih A. Bawa-Allah, enlightened Islamic faithful to uphold the tenets and doctrines of Islam. He said that some unscriptural practices now being heard of in some quarters should be stopped. The mufti admonished Muslims to trust in God and serve Him with all their hearts and live the exemplary life of Ibrahim, who boldly insisted to his father that Allah should be worshipped with all diligence and whole heartedly. He concluded by urging Muslims to continue to have peaceful co-existence with everybody in Ikorodu and to seek further development of Ikorodu.
There was launching of IMCA Almanac, during which Alhaji Abdulazeez Ijoae, who represented Senator Gbenga Ashafa, delivered his goodwill message. There was also the presentation of 1439AH bursary beneficiaries from RIDMON, Ikorodu Central mosque, As-Samadani Global Congregation, Ansurullah Society of Nigeria, Jubilee Estate Muslim Community and Jamattul-Islamiyya of Nigeria. Special prayers were also conducted as part of the programme. Goodwill message from Oba Shotobi, vote of thanks by DOI IMCA, Alhaji Olorunrinu Anifowose, were rendered before merriment and photo-session later ended the event.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included Grand Chief-Imam of Ikorodu Division, His Eminence, Sheikh Seifudeen Olowooribi, Chief Imam, Oriwu Central Mosque; His Eminence, Sheikh Yahyah Oshoala (As-Samadaani); Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi; Aremo Adeniyi and his wife; Ayamo Modupe Ogunsanya; Ayangburen traditional Chiefs; Erelus and other Islamic leaders from various parts of Ikorodu.
