By Babatunde Kaka
Fadeelatul Sheikh Alhaji Abiola Aliru Sa’dala, the Chief Imam of First Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, Epe, has emerged as the Grand Chief Imam and President-General, Epe Division League of Imams and Alfas.
As gathered by Eko Hot Blog, the appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs and made available by Epe LG Chairman Princess Surah Animashaun at the Epe Local Government Chambers.
His appointment brings to climax weeks of controversy that surrounded the vacant position in the wake of the demise of his predecessor in 2021.
Much excitement has rented the air in the wake of the announcement as friends, cronies, and colleagues have thronged to the residence of the newly appointed Grand Chief Imam to pay homage.
In a chat with a myriad of journalists, the Grand Imam expressed his profound gratitude to Almighty God for finding him worthy of elevation to a higher responsibility.
He said, “All glory and adorations belong to Almighty Allah for making it possible to be elevated to this position. It is not by our powers but that of the Almighty Allah who knows what we don’t know.”
According to him, the elevation to a higher responsibility only underscores the expediency to work exceedingly hard to foster peace and unity among the Muslim Community in the Division.
“My position as the President General is not to discriminate anybody because we are one big family as far as Islam is concerned”.
Noting that no community can thrive in disunity and infighting, he called on Muslim faithful to blend the jangling discords of dichotomy into a beautiful symphony of love, tolerance and togetherness.
He also stated that he bears no grudge against the Chief Imam of the Epe Central Mosque, Ita-Opo, Sheikh Abdullateef Oladapo.
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The new Grand Imam also used the medium to express his appreciation to the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Chairman, Epe Local Government, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun, the Olu Epe, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale and the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamoru Ishola Animashaun for their support through the appointment process.
While confirming the appointment, the Olu-Epe of Epe Kingdom, HRM Oba Shefiu Adewale Olatunji, said: “It is true that the Chief Imam of the first Epe Central Mosque, Sheik Abiola Aliru has been confirmed by the state government as the chief imam of Epe division and this is a welcome development. I have no hand in it, but that is how it should be if we want to call a spade a spade”.
“I want to use this medium to urge the general public to see themselves as one and not allow any act which can breach the peace of the community.”
“Islam is a religion of peace. And we should also be peaceful if truly we follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet,” he urged.
It is understood that the letter of appointment includes an addendum which stipulates a rotational appointment system between the two interest groups.
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