By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Leader of the Arabic and Islamic Training Centre (Markaz Agege), Shaykh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, has called on Nigerian leaders to uphold justice, fairness, and equal treatment of all citizens irrespective of religion, tribe, or social status.
Represented by Sheikh Sulaiman As-Saruji, the cleric delivered the message during a special prayer and lecture held in Adodo, Ogun State, in honour of the late Fadilat Sheikh Mah’ruf Sulaiman Al-Karazy, who died on November 9, 2025.
Shaykh Habibullah stressed that leadership is a divine responsibility and must reflect the values of unity and peaceful coexistence. He noted that anyone chosen by God to lead automatically becomes accountable to all citizens: “Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists, the rich and the poor.”
He emphasized that no nation can progress without justice, fairness, and responsible governance.
“We must not fight each other. Muslims must not fight Christians, and Christians must not fight Muslims or traditional worshippers. We must live together in peace,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to uphold good conduct, maintain moral values, and support initiatives that promote unity across religious lines. Speaking on the deceased cleric, he described him as a man who embodied peace and tolerance virtues, he said should guide both leaders and followers.
The Chief Imam of Ado-Odo, Alhaji Soliu Ibrahim, also urged leaders to build a better Nigeria for the younger generation and to support Islamic teachers to ensure quality education.
Similarly, the Olofin of Ado-Odo, HRM Oba Olusola Lamidi Osolo, called on indigenes to sustain the legacy of the late scholar, whom he described as a tireless promoter of the town’s image and Islamic values. He reminded leaders to reflect on the inevitability of death and to strive for good deeds.
“Our legacy is what people say about us after we are gone,” he added.
The Olu of Imasayi, Oba Luqman Olalekan Kuoye, appealed for nationwide unity and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts to stabilise the economy despite ongoing challenges. He expressed optimism that the president’s reforms would have a lasting impact.
In a heartfelt tribute, Alhaji Sulaiman Waheed Alaga, elder brother of the late cleric, described him as a calm and devoted scholar who founded an Islamic school in Ado-Odo, mentored many students, and was known for resolving family disputes. “I will miss him a lot,” he said.
The deceased’s son, Sofiullah Sulaiman, who has taken over leadership of his father’s Islamic school, said he would greatly miss his father’s support and encouraged students to stand by him as he continues the work. He urged the government to engage Islamic scholars for guidance, saying leaders must listen to the people they govern.
“They should find solutions to problems, not fight the citizens,” he added.
Dignitaries at the event included Alhaji Yusuf, father of Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf, Personal Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Duties.
