By: Shehu-Tijani Hibatullahi-Salako.

The dynasty of the Ajara-Abidogun on Thursday hosted the grand centenary celebration marking 100 years of the establishment of Az-zumratul Adabiyyatul Kamaliyah Arabic and Islamic Institute in Ilorin, commemorating 20 years since the departure of Sheikh Kamaludeen Adabbiy, the revered founder of Az-zumratul Adabiyyah.

The groundbreaking occasion, held in December, brought together Islamic scholars across Ilorin metropolis and its environs, lecturers of Az-zumratul Adabiyyah, as well as past and present students of the prestigious Arabic institution.

In his opening remarks, the host of the event, Mogaji (Sheikh) Sharafudeen Ajara, warmly welcomed dignitaries, including government officials, private stakeholders, ulama, and all individuals who contributed to the success of the event.

Mogaji Ajara expressed deep appreciation to the household of Sheikh Kamaludeen for the longstanding and impactful relationship between the two families, noting that Sheikh Kamaludeen’s contribution to knowledge development across Ilorin and beyond cannot be overemphasised.

He further announced a donation of ₦20 million to the family and institutional legacy of Sheikh Kamaludeen in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of his departure. He also disclosed plans for the installation of a solar lighting system to illuminate the residence of Sheikh Kamaludeen.

The guest lecturer, Sheikh Abdul-Mumin Hanafi-Ayara Al-Adabiy, in his address, paid homage to dignitaries present and described the 20-year remembrance of Sheikh Kamaludeen as a historic event that coincided with the centenary of Az-zumratul Adabiyyah. He noted that such a remembrance had never been held before.

Sheikh Hanafi Ayara stated that members of Adabiyyah felt the spiritual presence and ambiance of Sheikh Kamaludeen during the flag-off ceremony of the centenary celebration, which was earlier opened by Mogaji (Sheikh) Ajara at the Ansarul-Islam compound, Okekere, Ilorin.

Drawing parallels between the legacies of Sheikh Kamaludeen and Mogaji Ajara, the lecturer highlighted similarities in their lineage and adoption of names, describing Sheikh Kamaludeen as a patriotic figure among the founding fathers. He further emphasised that Baba Ajara has remained steadfast to all the household clans he belongs to, which earned him the revered title.

While showering accolades on Mogaji Ajara, Sheikh Hanafi Ayara described his unwavering commitment to truth as one of his distinguishing qualities, adding that he has never been a custodian of bad influence.

The speaker enjoined attendees and members of Adabiyyah in the diaspora to emulate the virtues of Sheikh Kamaludeen and Mogaji Ajara by shunning pride, falsehood, anger, backbiting, and greed. He urged them to sustain the core values of Adabiyyah—gratitude, consciousness of Allah, and contentment with divine decree.

The Khalifatul Adabiyyeen, Sheikh Abdul-Kadir Muh’d Kamaludeen, expressed appreciation to Mogaji Ajara for his steadfast commitment to the family of Sheikh Kamaludeen and for his continuous involvement in matters relating to Alhaji Agba.

The event concluded with moments of appreciation and photo sessions involving dignitaries, including representatives of the Kwara State Government, emissaries of the Emirate councils, academicians from Arabic and Western educational institutions, and members of the Adabiyyah family, who gathered to honour Baba Ajara and Alhaji Agba