By Bakare Lukman
Ifaki Muslim Community on Saturday bestowed Chieftancy titles on some deserving indigenes who were identified to have Distinguished themselves in the service to God and humanity.
The newly installed Ifaki Muslim Community Chiefs are : Alhaji Sule Lanre Bakare as Balogun Adinni, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal as Waziri Adinni, Alhaja Seliat Bakare as Iya Ijo Adinni, Alhaji Yusuf Oluwatoyin Suleiman as Saraki Adinni, Mr Azeez Temidayo Aguda as Otun Adinni, Alfa Sikiru Fadahunsi as Seriki Adinni, Mr. Salawu Disu as Atensise Adinni and Alhaji Abdul’azeez Olaniyi Fatunade as Sarumi Adinni.
Speaking on the criteria for the honour on the personalities the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Suleiman Muyideen Toba said the honour was to appreciate members for years of selfless services in Allah’s vineyard, soliciting more support of the stakeholders in building a befitting event center for Ifaki Muslim Community.
Also, the Chairman of Ifaki Muslim Community, Mr. Muhammad Bello urged the newly turbaned chiefs to see the new roles as a challenge to be more dedicated to the propagation of the Message of Allah on Earth.
He advised Muslims to prioritize education, health, and economic empowerment.
“Let us support one another and collaborate for the common good of our community,” he said.
In his sermon, the guest lecturer, Engr. Junaid Yusuf called on Muslims to eschew acts that could threaten the peaceful co-existence with other religions, urging them to engage in activities which could promote peace, progress and development in Ifaki Ekiti.
In his goodwill message, the Olufaki of Ifaki-Ekiti, Oba John Adegbenro Falore (Ajigbade III) congratulated the newly turbaned Chiefs and urged them to contribute their quotas to the development of the town.
The monarch appealed to Ekiti State government to return the University of Science and Technology, Ifaki (USTI) to Ifaki-Ekiti, pledging the support of the community to the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the quest to develop the State.
Addressing the gathering, the special guest of honour and the Secretary to Ekiti State Government, Alhaja (Dr.) Habibat Omolara Adubiaro implored Muslims to support and cooperate with one another for the development of Islam.
She said the honour bestowed on Chieftains was borne of their dedication and contributions to the development of the Muslim community.
She reiterated that the Biodun Oyebanji-led administration will continue the developmental strides in the State.
While performing the turbaning of the Chiefs, the Chief of Imam of Ifaki, Alhaji Jimoh Olorunfemi Bashiru prayed for success in their new roles.
Dignitaries who attended the event included Secretary, the Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Professor Eddy Olanipekun, Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matter, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, Alhaji Ibrahim Titilope Ganiyu, Chairperson of the occasion, Dr. (Mrs) AbdulAleem Medinat Adeola.