The League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States has approved the appointment of an Ibadan-based businessman, Dawud Akinola, as the new Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-land.<\/p>\n
The League gave the approval on Monday during its meeting held at its secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.<\/p>\n
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, Secretary-General of the League, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, said its decision on the new Islamic leader, as the body vested with the power to make such an appointment, was final.<\/p>\n
Aladesawe, who doubles as the Chief Imam of Owo, in Ondo State, described Akinola as deserving of the honorary religious title and expressed confidence that his era would mark a renaissance for Muslims in Yoruba-land.<\/p>\n
The cleric said a letter of appointment would be presented to Akinola in due course.<\/p>\n
Kewulere urged the new Aare Musulumi to be mindful of the task before him and ensure the discharge of the duties of the office effectively.<\/p>\n
In his acceptance speech, Akinola described the appointment as a call to service and expressed gratitude to the spiritual leaders for finding him worthy of the position.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never believed I could be chosen as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland as I felt I have not done enough to deserve this esteemed position.<\/p>\n
“However, I believe I should not reject the call to serve Allah, as this is an avenue for me to improve my service to humanity and for further propagation of Islam.<\/p>\n
“The late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao laid a high standard for this office. I, therefore, need the prayers of all to meet and surpass the standard.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I whole-heartedly accept this offer as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, I solicit your support and prayers at all times for me to record an enviable success in this responsibility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The title was last held by the late business mogul and philanthropist, AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao, for 34 years before he died on June 18, 2014 at the age of 69.<\/p>\n
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