Oke-ogun league of Imam & Alfas congratulates Oyo Deputy Gov-elect, Bayo Lawal

The league of Imams and Alfas in Oke-ogun on Wednesday converged at the Bashorun residence of the sitting deputy governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal to congratulate him and his boss, Seyi Makinde on their electoral victory at the just concluded 2023 governorship election.

Barrister Bayo Lawal was described as the pride of Oke-ogun by the Muslim clerics, who were led by the chief imam of Tede, Hamada Tijani, and the secretary, Imam Titilope Abdul-Rahman.

They also stated that Barrister Lawal’s electoral success would have a positive impact on the Muslim community throughout the entire Oke-ogun.

The imams led a special prayer to thank Allah for his electoral victory and recited some Surats from the Holy Quran as well as wishing Lawal and his boss a fruitful term in office.

Expressing gratitude to the clerics, the deputy governor, Bayo Lawal, emphasized that their support and prayers had made his political journey successful.

He also said that, as the highest Muslim political office holder in Oyo state, he was extremely happy that the Muslim clerics stood for unity and supported the government.

He stressed that the Muslim community stood up for what is true. You could see that the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land and Delta state; the Chairman League of Imams and Alfas in Oke-ogun, Grand Chief Imam Ibadanland, and the Chief Imam of Iseyin had all been quite supportive of Makinde’s re-election.

According to Lawal, when he went to see the Chief Imam in Tede in the evening, the imam showed me from the Quran how he had been praying for Governor Seyi Makinde’s reelection, saying that Almighty Allah would continue to answer their prayers.

“Allah has the power to do anything. We owe Allah a great debt of gratitude for all that he has done for us. And as I always say, please always get in touch with me if there is anything you want me to do for the Islamic community in Oyo State.

“Although being a Christian, our governor treats people of all faiths justly and fairly. Lawal claims that the Ramadan lecture that will take place tomorrow will be the ninth that he has sponsored, beginning even before he was elected governor of the state. He continued by saying that because the governor also has a number of Muslims who are members of his extended family, noting that he will be fair to everyone.

“I would also continue to defend the interests of the Muslim community as a Muslim holding the second-highest position in the state. And the correct step must be taken in order to accomplish this, and not about engaging in conflict or confrontation.

“We could accomplish a lot for the Muslim community if we support the government and if we were genuinely fighting for Islam. In the upcoming four years, the Muslim community will have several opportunities.

“Once more, I want to thank you for coming, and I hope you have a peaceful trip home.

The closing prayers was held by Alhaji Abdul-Rauf Abdul-Jeleel who has been Lawal’s personal imam, for over 22–23 years, to pray for Governor Makinde and the entire population of Oyo state.

The distribution of packs of Milos, Milks and cloths, among other items, to mark the ongoing Ramadan Kareem, was the event’s high point.