•As He Becomes 4th Grand Mufty Of ILORIN
•Details Of The Classy Event
This is the story of how Ilorin was shut down a few days back, when Fadilat Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa Al-Miskeenbillahi was turbaned as the Grand Mufty of Ilorin Emirate.
Days before the event, the whole country was agog with the news that Ilorin was to witness the Royal Turbaning of the man everyone calls Sheikh Onikijipa with this big title. The invitation spread round Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan and other major cities of the country like wild fire. It was a beautiful Gold Envelope. This further got many attracted to the event. The wordings on the Invitation Card inside further excited many. It read: His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR), The Emir of Ilorin cordially requests the honour of your presence to The Royal Turbaning of Fadeelat Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa (Al-Miskeenbillah) as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate”.
The event took place on Friday, 17th, December 2021. Venue was the Emir’s Palace and the event started very early that Friday. It was a 10am event.
From the day before, guests started flying into Ilorin and before you knew it all the hotels in Ilorin were fully booked as all the Airpeace and Overland flights were fully booked. Then came the D-Day Friday more guests trooped in from all parts of Nigeria.
Top government officials came for the event. Islamic scholars all trooped to Ilorin to support this great scholars. The event kicked off with the arrival of dignitaries at the Emir’s Palace. Then came the Opening prayer by the Grand Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Bashir Salihu Al-Fulani. This was followed by the recitation from the Glorious Quoran. There was also the citation of the celebrant, Sheikh Farooq Sulaiman Onikijipa, the brand new Mufty of Ilorin.
Quite exciting was the turbaning exercise by the Traditional man of the Palace. And of course there was the royal blessing by the Emir of Ilorin. For those who still don’t know how great this man is, let us tell you about Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa AI-Miskinubilahi, the Lagos based Islamic Scholar who was born in Ilorin, the seat of Islamic Scholarship, in the early 60’s to the family of Sheikh Umar Faruq bn Abdullahi and Alhaja Aminat Faruq of Ile Onikjipa compound Omoda Ilorin Kwara State.
Sheikh Farooq has dedicated all his life searching for knowledge and disseminating it. He had his formal and Islamic education from several schools and scholars, from within and outside Nigeria. He began with his Quranic education in his early years under the tutelage of As-Sheikh Ataragba, who was a close companion of his Father. He holds lower and upper certificate in Arabic and Islamic Studies, from Darul-Ulum Eruda Ilorin and Arabic Training Centre (MARKAZ) Agege, Lagos State, and lower and higher Diploma certificate of the Institute of Religious and Behavioural Education, Lagos, and B.A and M.A in Islamic Studies of the Pebble University, Australia. Further to this, he also completed his PhD in Islamic Studies at Pebble University, Australia in the year 2020. He has attended several Seminars and workshops in several parts of Nigeria, Africa, Asia, Europe and America.
Almost all through his life, he has been fully engaged in Islamic propagation through teaching, preaching, enlightenment, – counselling, reading, Jumat sermons. He is popularly known to be accustomed with his annual Ramadan Lectures which are televised worldwide, and networking with other organizations for Islamic and Religious propagation, with peacekeeping worldwide. Many of these activities and research works have been published in about 200 audio/video cassettes and CD’s. He has also published approximately 20 books in Arabic Language which some have been translated into English.
Sheikh Onikijipa is a philanthropist who is committed to assisting the less privileged, particularly in the educational sector, hospitality and health, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. He is the General Overseer of Al-Amani Islamic Organization, a group which consists of Mosque, Zaawiyyat and Markazul-Amani for Arabic and Islamic Centre, an Institute affiliated to Al-Azhar University, Cairo., Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa AI-Miskinubilahi bagged many awards and distinctions from various groups, organizations and Institutes from within and outside Nigeria.
He was awarded the Global Peace Ambassador of Access to Human Rights International (AHRI) and Holder of Cholan Book of World Records also the Doctorate Degree in Science and human service by Columbus International University, Norton, England in 2005 and another Doctorate fellowship in Islamic Religious and Behavioural Studies, Lagos.2007, and National Commendation Honor for Exemplary Leadership Service by Nigeria National House of Assembly (Youth Parliament) and Islamic Merit Award by Iranian Government. 2005 Ambassador of Islam by the office of Chief Imam of Ghana 2006, and International Merit Award by Leadership Mirror, Ghana. 2009. All Africa Student Union International as Comrade (ASUU) 2012. An ambassador by All Nigerian Student (NASU) 2018, Member of the Council of Africa Islamic Scholars by King of Morocco. The latest is his recent appointment as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin and its environs, by his Royal Highness, Emir of Ilorin, AS-Sheikh (Dr.) Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari (GCFR).
Sheikh (Dr.) Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa Al-Miskinubilahi is happily married and blessed with 6 children. His vision is a corrupt-free society where all groups live together in peace coupled with the mission to enhance spiritual awareness through intellectual and moral teaching.
A lot of prominent Nigerians sent congratulatory messages. Here are a few of them:
The Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee wishes to felicitates with you on your appointment as the Mufty of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR The appointment is, no doubt, a clear testimony of your alluring leadership qualities, assuring loyalty to the Emir and affirmation of your sterling patriotism to Ilorin Emirate as a community. Congratulations
ENGR. SULAIMAN YAHAYA ALAPANSANPA FNSE
Danmasani ofl/orin Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Durbar Committee.
Your appointment and turbaning to this position of Excellence in Ilorin Emirate is a manifestation of your knowledge, hardwork, commitment to duty and experience, and we hope you will exhibit these qualities to bring the desired transformation in the Administration of Justice in the Emirate. His Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Sarkin Kano.
My family and I hereby extend our heartfelt congratulations to our brother and friend, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa on his turbaning as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate by the Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
DR.ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI,CON Former Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This Royal honour is, wIthout doubt, a great recognition of your dedication to the propagation of the principles of Islam in the worship of God and service to humanity. Indeed, you have undoubtedly wielded a strong influence on the religious and social development of Muslim faithful in your community and beyond. And I believe, having been so recognized at this state of your life by our revered Royal Highness, you will no doubt appreciate that you have been encouraged to redouble your efforts in the service of your people.
OLUSEGUN OBASANJO,
Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
This appointment, without doubt, resonates the wide acceptance of your efforts in the peaceful propagation of Islam not just in Ilorin but indeed all over Yoruba land and beyond. It is our belief that you will bring all the energy, wealth of knowledge and experience to bear on this noble appointment. We pray that Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, will grant you the strength, knowledge and wisdom required to direct the affairs of the Ummah through this exalted position.
ISLAMIC MISSION FOR AFRICA
No doubt this appointment, coming at this time and despite several other qualified citizens for the position, is a tacit recognition of your sterling qualities and the roles you have always played in the growth and development of, not only the Emirates Council, but Kwara State as a whole and in ensuring the welfare and progress of her citizens. We pray for abundant success in this position and that you will continue to excel in your services to our Emirate and State as well as humanity, to the glory of Almighty Allah.
Engr. Jani Ibrahim
(Chairman, the Lubcon Group)
Why be a king, when you can be a god? You dared to dream when others are content. You worked harder, when other lose hope to do more. Dream are often just dream for most people but not you. You had a dream, set a plan, worked harder and soar high. The path you have taken has presented many challenges and numerous mile and tones. I only know of a few people that can inspire others to achieve greatness. You are one of those people whose drive and passion are infectious. You are indeed the grand Mufti and more. My pen and words are never enough to describe the greatest in you. You have been favoured by ALLAH and honoured by Men.
ISAQ SAKASA’ AD
MD/CEO Swot Academy
It is with the greatest joy in my heart that I congratulate you, first on the announcement of your good self by our revered Emir of Ilorin, “Mai Martaba Sheikh Ibrahim Zulukamain Gambari” as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin and secondly to rejoice with you on your turbaning which is scheduled to take place on Friday 17th December, 2021. I hereby pray that Almighty Allah make your tenure a successful one. I wish you a long reign in good health. May Allah increase you in knowledge and Iman. Amin.
ALH. MOHAMMAD BALA AJANAKU
MogajiAjanaku ofIlorin
PLANNING COMMITTEE
PRINCIPAL MEMBERS
Professor Yusuf Olarewaju Badmus-Chairman, Dr. Sambo Abdulkadir Sambaki-Alternate Chairman, Hon. Justice Abdullateef Kamal-Alternate Chairman, Alabi Salihu Hammed-Secretary.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Alhaji Abdulrahman O. Onikijipa-Chairman, Dr. Muhammad B. Ibrahim -Member, Mallam Usman Hakeem-Member.
HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION
Mallam Isha’aq Saka Sa’ad-Chairman, Mallam Abdulrasheed Waziri-Member, Mustapha B. Nuhu-Member, Abubakar Hassan M. Raji (Elehoro) -Member.
MEDIA/ PUBLICITY COMMITTEE
Prof. Abdulganiy Abdussalam-Chairman, Dr. Saudat AbdulBaki-Member, Mallam Abubakar Imam -Member, Sheikh Imam AbdulSaliam Olayiwola-Member, Dr. Khalil Gbodofu-Member.
Dr. Ahmed Saliu Sebutu-Chairman, Hon.Tustice Abdullateef Kamal-Deen-Member, Dr. AbdulRasheed M. Mukadam-Member, Alhaji Sambo Bolaji Yakub-Member, Mallam Alabi Salihu Hammed-Secretary.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE
Hajia (Dr.) Asiat Ayinke Saka-Chairman, Alhaji Babaolowo Ibrahim-Member, Alhaji Sheu Sa’ad Uthman-Member, Hajia H. M. lshola-Member, Alhaji Ayo Abdul Fatai-Member.
HORSE PROCESSING COMMITTEE
Muhammad Bello Lanre Faagba-Chairman, Ustaz Saidu Ibrahim Maimasa-Member, Sheikh Usman Onikijipa-Member
MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE
Dr. Abdulkadir Sambo Sambaki-Chairman, Mallam Abdulrasheed Waziri-Member, Mallam Uthman Lanre Jagunma-Member
SECURITY COMMITTEE
AIG Adisa Bolanta-Chairman, Former DPO. Adewole-Member, Orderly HRH-Member, Barrister Adam Toyin Jamiu-Member, Central Mosque CSO-Member.
DA’WAH COMMITTEE
Sheikh Imam Yusuf Pakata O.-Chairman, Ustaz Muhammad Jamiu AI- Ilory-Member, Sheikh Abdulkadir Onilemarun-Member, Ustaz Abubakr Raji Elehoro-Member, Alh. Rafiu Ayinla-Member, Ustaz Uthman Yasin-Member, Ustaz Idris Koro-Member.
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE
Dr. Asiat Ayinke Saka-Chairman, Dr. Saudat Abdulbaki-Member, Mallam Uthman Lanre Jagunma -Member, Muhammad Belle Lanre Faagba-Member, Hajia Marriam Belgore Onikijipa-Member, Hajia Mulikat Muhammad-Member.
Sheikh Onikijipa revealed why he accepted the Honour as the 4th Grand Mufty of Ilorin and its environs by HRH, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR). He said it is for the sake Islam. “I am not unaware of the significance and responsibility associated with the position of a Grand Mufy in our community. I humbly accepted the Honour and position of Grand Mufty wholeheartedly and pray to God. Almighty Allah to guide, direct and protect me in all the responsibilities associated with this very important title of the Emirate. I pray to Allah to make a successful tenure as He has done to all Mufty before me”.
He thanked the Emir of Ilorin, the entire members of Ilorin Emirate Council for this great honour and opportunity to save Ilorin Emirate.
He also thanked, “My Sheikh”, Mudir Markaz, Sheikh Habeebillah Adam Al-Ilorin, all scholars and the entire Muslim Ummah and the Muslim Community in General. He also thanked Kwara Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Saraki, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, the Chief of Staff to Pres Muhammed Buhari, League of Imams and Alfas
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