•Prince TAJUDEEN OLUSI Reveals A Lot
Islam is my family religion. Although, my father was the son of an Ifa devotee, my grandfather’s name is Fagbayi Ige Olusi, The name Fagbayi indicates one who is devoted to Ifa. My maternal grandmother, Ibiduuni Majiyagbe, was also a devotee of Ogun, therefore, the religious background of. my father is the ancient Yoruba religion.
But as we were told, Ifa had foretold that my father who was named Matiku at birth, would embrace the Islamic religion. True to the prediction, my father grew up to become a Muslim. And until his death, he remained a Muslim. My mother, Olori Kibitiyu Asake, also came from a strict Muslim home. Her father and her grandfather were Muslims, they made significant contributions to the growth of Islam in Lagos. They established a Mosque called Mosalasi Onitolotolo ,also known as Mosalasi Idumota at their compound on the Island of Lagos. My mother also was a practicing Muslim until her death.
The coming of Islam to Lagos Island was long before the birth of my father, it should be in the 17th century or thereabout. But the history of Islam in Lagos is short and straight forward.At the time of Oba Ologun Kutere, there was influx of people from all parts of West Africa to Lagos; from the North, llorin, even from Mali and Niger. During the reign of Oba Adele the 1st, a remarkable incident happened. Some domestic slaves of the Oba gathered somewhere in the palace, about seven of them, to worship in the Islamic way and they made the Hadhan, a call to prayer. One of them made the Hadhan early in the morning whichcreated a stare and people thought it was the Oro masquerade that was about to come out. The Chiefs and other populace rushed to the palace and discovered that it was some domestic servants of the Oba that were calling for prayer. They were accused of breaching tradition, of calling for the Oro” in ‘the morning. The matter was taken before Oba Adele and they made explanations that they wanted to.’ worship God, in their own way. The Oba pronounced that if they just wanted to worship God, they should not be disturbed, but that they cannot do that in the area. So, they were taken to an area called Oko-Awo, later Mosalasi Jimoh, from Isale-Eko.
That is why it is in this area, Oko-Awo and Mosalasi Jimoh, that you have the families who are rotating amongst themselves the position of Chief Imam of Lagos. Asides these families, the third family that assumes the post is called Onirakunmi family.They are at Sandgrose. These Families were from the North, they are not Yoruba; they came from Bomo. That was how Islam came to Lagos. If the religion had existed before that time, it must have been an individual exercise. Hence, the families who are being made Chief Imams of Lagos are descendants of the domestic servants of the Oba of Lagos. So, they have a kind of attachment with the palace.
From a very tender age, I participated in the daily Islamic worship. I attended Quranic School; I joined in the celebration of Islamic Festivals’ including the Ramadan fast. Even though I was under Christian influences at my primary and modem school education, I have always been a Muslim. I have never withered. My admission into Ansar-u-deen Schools, from primary education to secondary education enriched my knowledge and practice of my religion. Another influence was the various lessons taken from lectures of Alfa Bolaji Akeu-Kewe, Alfa Aka; a popular Islamic preacher of Lagos, who was based at Oke-Popo area other Islamic scholars that shaped my religious belief are Alfa Inanjo’roko, Alfa Ekemode of the Ansar-u-deen Society, Imam Augusto of the Jamatul Islamiyah Society, Imam Y.P.O. Sodehinde, and a host of others.
When I attended Christian schools, God in his own manifestation, removed possible conflicts. I saw my going to school, as an avenue to be educated in the Western way and to be literate. Our parents were particular about inducting us into Islam because of events that they had seen iq the past. When Muslim children were taken to Christian schools to get educated, along the line, they got converted into Christian religion. In my own case, I never faced such problem, throughout my, stay at the Christian school; no one ever suggested to me that I should embrace Christianity. At about the age of four or five, father would wake. me up in the morning to join him in the early morning prayers, although I sometimes sleep off while he would continue his recitation of the Surat; the Chapters of the Holy Quran. That was the very first direct induction. Also at about the age of seven, Papa would persuade me to participate in the Ramadan fast, he would entice me and other kids in the compound with fish and other palatable snacks and he would be keeping eyes on us so that we would not break fast. Anytime we said we cannot go further, Papa would say we should take it easy, that it was just 12 noon, we have only two hours more. At 2:00 pm, he would ask us to break our fast. I think the idea was to get us prepared for the whole process of fasting. As time went by, I started to fast on my own, without being persuaded by Papa. At that period, it was customary for the whole family to gather together and break the fast. We would all converge in a square, sit down in the family compound and food would be served. Those who had broken their fast would not be able to participate in this, I remember Papa used to tell them,”you would
have come and join us, but you have broken your fast”.
Also, during festivals, Papa would take us to the Eid to offer prayers. He would buy us special attire for the festival. During Maolud Nabiy, birthday of the Holy Prophet, most Quranic schools formed the idea of buying new dresses for the students.
Islamic leaders, the Imams and the Alfas, usedto come to our house regularly, particularly on Fridays, to read the Quran and offer prayers. These Islamic scholars and Alfas went about preaching from one town to another, maybe from Oyo to Lagos, Borin to Lagos, when they arnved, they would come to the compound to greet Papa. Also, all Hausas in Lagos used to come to our house, because they were Muslims. They took their showers and did other clean ups in the compound. Our compound was simply Islam personified!
It was fashionable in those days for young Muslims to attend Islamic lectures in Lagos, mostly in the evenings and particularly during the month of Ramadan. This period afforded us the opportunity of learning about the history and tenets of Islamic Religion and also about the teachings and practices of the Holy Prophet Mohamed (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
I started making my own contributions to the growth of Islam as a student at Ansar-u-deen College Isolo, when I joined the Muslim Student Society of Nigeria in 1954. I later became the General Secretary for the Lagos branch and later Lagos Area Unit when the Urnt was created. There were a number of notable Nigerians who were members of the MSS at the period. Some of them are Professor Mrs Mabadeje, the Sunmonu brothers (one of them, Hassan Sunmonu, became NLC Chairman at one time). I also remember the Elegbedes, Muftau, and his brother, Rasak, who was also a prominent military officer, both of blessed memory, One Doctor Olanbiwoninu from Ijede in Lagos State was the Chairman when I was the Secretary of the organisation. Alhaja Kafilat Oshodi, wife of Doctor Oshodi who was then Miss KafiJat Animashaun, was my Assistant Secretary.
The Muslim Students Society is one of the foremost Islamic organisations. in Nigeria. It was originally formed by some Muslim students at Kings College, Lagos; Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos and Muslim students from other parts of the country. One of the Surviving foundmg leaders of the organisation is Alhaji Doctor Lateef Adegbite, the General Secretary of the Islamic society’. There are branches all. over Nigeria and originally we had branches for Lagos Island in Kimgs College, Methodist Boys’ High School Ahmadiya School, St. Patrick and St. Gregory Colleges. Later, we created Lagos area unit which comprises of the whole of Lagos State.
In the 1950s, I decided to join the Zumuratul Islamiyah Society of Nigeria, even though I came from the background of the Ansar-u-deen Society, all my brothers were members of the Ansar-u-deen Society. I just wanted to be different. I felt that Zumuratul Islamiyah Society needed more support for it to be upgraded to a higher level. Hence, I decided to join that organisation. I was admitted to Division B, under the leadership of late Alhaji D.A. Salu, who was an,official of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and was 1iving at Olowogbowo, I later became the Secretary of the Division in 1962. I held the following positions in Zumuratul Islamiyah Society: Branch Vice Chairman; first National President and currently, the National President of the Society.
Apart from my perticipation in these organisations, I am also a member of Oke-Aarin Mosque. I participate actively in the activities of the mosque. I was installed the Baba Adinni of the Mosquein the year 2003. In 1994, I was made the Amirul Hajj and also thef’hairman of the special Lagos State Cabinet Committee for 1994 Hajj operation, I was similarly appointed the Amirul Hajj in the year 1995 by the Lagos State Government for the delegation.
The following Islamic organisations have honoured me with some awards: Ansaru-Li-Islamiyah Society, Eti-Osa Muslim Organisation, Nawar-u-deen Society of Nigeria and the Dawar Society. However, it is interesting to note that I never joined the Ansar-u-deen Society. Although, I attended Ansar-u-deen schools but my parents and guardians were responsible for my tuition throughout the period. My father, being a Muslim leader, was a supporter of all the Islamic organisations based in Lagos. They would come to him and he would donate to the cause of these organisations. But Papa was also a member of the Central Mosque. At that time, Central Mosque was the coordinating committee for all Islamic organisations and their activities; we were part of the Central Mosque. The Imams at the Central Mosque would come to our house on Fridays to offer prayers.
Ansar-u-deen Society was an organisation of educated young Muslims at that time, who came together to promote Western education amongst Muslims. So, they established their own society, they held meetings and people used to join their meetings. My brothers were members of the Ansar-u-deen Society. In fact, one of my brothers, Late M.B. Olusi was the Secretary of Division 2 at a time. Another of my brothers, Late Prince Abdul Rahaman Olusi, was also an officer of the Society, while the immediate past head of the family, Prince M. Adewunmi Olusi was P.R.O.
The usual venue of the meeting was just opposite our house, so we used to participate in their activities. Our parents always encouraged us to attend, but I never joined the Society as a member. In fact many people assumed that having attended Ansar-u-deen schools, and my brothers were members, I am also a member. I, instead, opted for the Zumuratul Islamiyah Society of Nigeria
One of the reasons why I joined Zumuratul Islamiyah Society is that I thought within me that if one wants to help Islam, one should join an organisation that has not attained the highest plain. When I joined the Society, I joined the section for adult education and went for adult training to be an adult education instructor.
Zumratul is one of the oldest Islamic organisations in the country. It was founded in Lagos. And they have strived within their own resources to establish primary schools across the length and breadth of Yorubaland. We also have branche in two States in the north, Nasarrawa and Kaduna.
I have done my best to instill the Islamic tenets into my children. I have passed through a channel where I learnt a lot and honestly, I have adopted the same method to train my children. Uptill today, I wake up my children to pray. When we were at the family house at Oke-Aarin, I established a worship place within the compound. We converted the place into a Mo que where we normally observe the prayers. I did this in order to make it easy for anyone who wants to pray. Such person needed not to leave the compound to the nearest Mosque which is about three to five minutes’ walk from home. When I moved to my present abode, we started the same method, at first we established a small place in the house to pray, about three or four of us, later, I established a mosque at the frontage of my house, so that other people can join us. I made sure that my children attend Quranic School. And now that I have grandchildren, we employ an Arabic teacher, who comes almost on daily basis to teach them the Quran.
I love to say that I have no regrets whatsoever as a Muslim, I am happy being a Muslim, I am in total accord with the religion and I appreciate the tenets and beauty of Islam. If taken in strict interpretation, Islam allows other people to choose their own religion. It says there is no compulsion in religion, And it also dictates that we must give them their dues and their rights.
I think I will take this opportunity to say one or two things about the dreaded group called Boko Haram in Nigeria. Although, it is difficult to talk about a group of people that you have never met, that you have never seen or interact with. I recognise the fact that there was information on the television credited to a particular individual who is said to be representing the group and who is also a Muslim. But who is a Muslim? A Muslim is anybody who accepts Islam and subscribes to the fact that there is only one God and subscribe to all the articles of faith and the tenets of Islam. We have to differentiate between proclamation as a Muslim and committing crimes. Islam prescribes punishment for those that commit crimes. So, even If you are a Muslim, the religion has made provisions to punish anybody that errs or breaches the tenets of Islam. As far as I am concerned, it goes a long way before you decide whether someone is a Muslim or not. Many people have said many things about the Boko Haram group, some have said it is a political issue, some said it has to do with religion, while others admit that it is associated with socio-economic situation of the country. But I like to say that all these points are associated to the problem. For example, the group made a case that their leader was summarily e.xecuted by.the Nigerian Police and that is why they are up in arms agamst the police. We need to ask, is it true that their leader was summarily executed and what has the state done about it to ensure justice and to placate the aggrieved followers of the man who was executed?
Two wrongs don’t make a right. We have been-quoting this adage over the years, but we all know it is always difficult There are conflicts all over the world today. Take Syria for example, the people are talking about had governance; they say they no longer want a ruler and people are bemg killed every day. I think Boko Haram is our own share of the problem of the world, our own share of the problem of over-population, our share of interpretation of religion; tenets of different religions, our own share of unemployment problem and our share of the inadequate knowledge on the part of an individual. Boko Haram group do not have sufficient knowledge of the world and the environment, to be able to interpret the Quran. They have read the Quran. They have been taught the Quran in Arabic language and some of the languages have more than one interpretation. We must look at this issue from that background.
I do not believe the problem is actually religious, if it is so, will they be killing their fellow Muslims? The group is confused. Although, they say they have grievances but they are confused, they have overreacted because of their insufficient understanding and knowledge. I think we should look at the problem of the country in its entirety to be able to solve Boko Haram problem.
One point that I have to record is that I have 3 children two males and a female. The two males are Muslims; they are practicing the same religion with me and I am happy that one of them is proficient in the knowledge of the Quran. Incidentally, the female is a Christian. It would have been my love that all my children are Muslims. But there is a Chapter of the Quran which says it is God’s pleasure that some people are Christians and some are Jews while some are Muslims. Bearing this in mind, I had no problem that my daughter decided to marry a Christian. When she brought a young man, who happens to be a Christian, to the house, her mother and I felt somehow about her decision, but we were vcry careful not to stop her from marrying the man she loves. After all Christians also worship God Almighty.
In conclusion, I believe that my being a Muslim is preordained by the Almighty Allah; that it is not by accident. I want to strengthen this assertion by what happened after the death of my father. How of all his children, that I inherited his Quran. After some months that Papa had passed away, arrangements were made by the family to distribute his personal effects among his children, we were thirteen at the period. At the appointed date, they packaged these personal effects, various native attires, gold, shoes and some others, and divided them into thirteen different portions. After this, the Quran was left un-allotted to any of the thirteen places.Then, one of the elders asked for what to do about it.
Since it is only one Quran, it cannot be divided into thirteen. They just decided to put the Quran on one of the already allotted portions. Thereafter, they asked someone to write each name of the thirteen beneficiaries on a piece of paper and place the names on each portion at random. They now asked us to come forward and pick a portion, one after the other we did. Surprisingly, when they got to the portion where the Quran was placed my name was called and many people laughed. At that time, I was a minor.So, my eldest brother who was my guardian, took the Quran and kept it for me, along with clothes and some gold ornament.
As years rolled on, my guardian passed the things to my eldersister, the late Rasheedat Oredola. And when I became an adult, my sister returned them to me, the Agbada Etu, two big Agbadas, one Etu, one Sanyan and the Quran. I kept the Quran passionately and I felt that I should be able to read the Quran in the Arabic context. I have to recall, at that time, I had not paid particular attention to the study of Arabic at school. I was proficient in the knowledge of the religion but I neglected the study of the Arabic language in school. Because of my love for this Quran, I made efforts to go back and learn Arabic. I bought a book; Alquiratu Nigeria. The book was written by Alfa Muktar, it was written to make the learning of Arabic easy but this effort was not enough as I could not still comprehend the Arabic language. Therefore, I settled for the English version. I continued to read all commentaries about Islam and the Quran. At the end of the day, I made a prayer.rHaving made all this efforts unsuccessfully
to learn the Quran, Allah please make it possible for any of my children to be able to read this Quran, even in Arabic language”.
I kept the Quran at home, surprisingly, my elder son, Adetoye Hamad Tijani Olusi, having joined the Muslim Student Society School, continued to learn the Quran and Arabic. He became proficient and he did the Wolimot, even without telling me. But one day, during the Holy month of Ramadan, Toyese came to me and said that the Muslim Students Society wants to hold a Ramadan lecture at our compound. I told him there was no problem and I told mother to prepare refreshments for them after the lecture.
They gathered in the compound and they started the Asalatu praising Allah and exalting the Almighty. After this, they announced that the lecturer of the day was Hamad Tijani Adetoyese Olusi. Then I began to wonder,”Has he been proficient in Quran that they made him the lecturer?” I was stunned when Toyese got up and started to preach, reciting the Quran giving the explanatory words at the same time. I was exceeding happy that day, I thanked the Almighty God for acceding to my prayer; the prayer that I made after I had made personal efforts to learn the Arabic without any success that he should give this knowledge to my children. The following morning, I called him and told him about the story of the Quran that I inherited from my father. I told him about the prayers that I made to Allah after my own efforts and I finally handed the Quran over to him. I asked him to open it and read any portion of the Quran to my hearing which he did so easily.
I left the Quran with him for a long time. But after a while, I collected the Quran back. And about a year ago, I donated the Quran to the Museum Section of the Lagos State University (LASU). One Dr. Sodehinde came here to ask for articles to be displayed in the University about the royalty of Lagos. I felt that donating the Quran would be very significant, my father being the first Muslim Oba of Lagos, and this is his Quran I was donating to them. I think I also gave him Papa’s praying mat, a decorated rug which was made in Saudi Arabia and which I think he acquired while he was on the throne.
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