By Omowumi Omotosho
Kwara State has over late been buzzing with discussions as Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman’s demolition spree continues, sparking widespread concern, speculation and total condemnation.
What began as a campaign for urban renewal has turned into a source of anxiety, trauma, lamentation and frustration for many residents, particularly traders whose livelihoods have been shattered.
As the dust rises from bulldozed shops and homes, so do questions about the governor’s intentions: who will be next?
Over the past weeks and months, various structures in Ilorin and other parts of the state have been razed in what the government describes as an effort to “clean up” the city. The demolitions, however, have left countless traders, small business owners, and families struggling to rebuild their lives in an already fragile economy. In the face of this upheaval, the cry from the people has grown louder, with many accusing the administration of heartlessly ignoring the very real human cost of its policies.
The weight of these tensions culminated recently, during a Friday sermon in Ilorin, where the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammed Bashir delivered a powerful lecture that sent ripples across the state as Kwarans gave the lecture various meaning and interpretation, based on what they are battling with.
The gathering at the Ilorin central mosque for the Jumat prayer was prestigious, with notable attendees including the Sultan of Sokoto and the Executive Governor of Kwara State Mallam Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman. Yet, despite the dignified crowd, the Imam’s message was unflinchingly clear: everyone must be mindful of their actions and remember that oneday, we will answer to a higher power.
The Chief Imam made pointed remarks about the ethical use of power. He emphasized that every action would be accounted for. His words carried a weight that went beyond the mosque’s walls, as he reminded all in attendance that every action would be judged by God. The chief Imam made an analogy thus: “After we bury a deceased, they will face two angels in their grave. These angels will ask: ‘Did you follow Allah’s commands while alive? Did you obey the Messenger of Allah?’ If the deceased lived righteously, they will pass the test, and the doors of heaven will open for them.
“However, if the deceased lived without the fear of God and he his hated by all, two fierce dogs will be sent to confront him, striking fear into his heart. Then, the two angels of Allah will emerge, asking: ‘Who was your God? Who did you follow as a Messenger? Did you obey Allah’s commands? What faith did you practice?’ Is it the faith that says we shouldn’t oppress citizens or the faith that you believe you can do anything you like?
“The deceased will tremble with fear and point to Satan as their lord. The angels will severely punish him, tossing them from side to side.
“Finally, the doors of hellfire will open, and the deceased will be cast into eternal torment.
Let this serve as a warning let us strive to live virtuous lives, obeying Allah’s will and following the path of righteousness.”
Although the Imam’s sermon was delivered in a general context, many Kwarans have drawn a direct connection to the governor’s recent policies, particularly the demolition exercises. In the days following the sermon, the message spread like wildfire across social media and local conversations, with series of interpretation.
Also, the sermon of Sheikh Faruk Onikijipa, during the Firdaus of a PDP chieftain Kayode Yusuf Maja seems connected to the current situation of the state. Although the sermon was presented before family and well-wishers that attended the Firdaus but it seems there is an element to connects to entirety of Kwara State situation.
Message from Sheikh Faruk was a sobering sermon on the Islamic concept of Wassiy (remembrance of death). Sheikh Onikijipa emphasized the significance of wassiy in Islam, reminding everyone that death is inevitable for all, regardless of power or wealth. He shared a lesson from Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who stated that the wisest among humans is the one who always remembers death and prepares for it. “Wassiy is from God,” Sheikh Onikijipa explained, “and the headmaster of wassiy is death.” His sermon served as a reminder to those in power that their actions, especially those that harm others, will be judged by Allah.
Onikijipa’s reflection on the stories of Qabil and Habil underscored the consequences of misusing power. He warned politicians and leaders to not fall into the trap of arrogance, citing the example of Pharaoh, who despite his immense power and long life, could not escape death. The Sheikh’s message struck a chord with many in the state, especially those directly affected by the harsh policies being meted out by the government of the day.
“Wassiy is important in Islam because it stands for remembrance and wassiy is from God, the headmaster of wassiy is death.a servant went to asked prophet Muhammad SAW that who’s the most wise person among human beings and the prophet said is someone that always remember death and makes preparations for it whenever it comes. Allah uses wassiy for four categories of people. Firstly, Allah use wassiy to talk to those who have strong heart, Allah use wassiy to talk to those people that are Giant and have powers that they will still die one day, Allah uses wassiy to all those Sheu’s that think they are closer to him that they will die one day and also Allah uses wassiy for the politicians and every other persons that think they won’t leave this earth.
“Allah said I tell you history of two servant for you,Qabilah and habilah Qabila heart is so strong and he told his brother abilah that he will kill him and nothing is going to happen.
Many of us here have lost our parents and some relatives so if our time comes that’s the end of our life and end of our assignment in life, all the good records will be yours in the day of judgement and. I one will share it with you and also your bad deeds will be yours too.It will be better for each and everyone of us here to always do good and not to misuse power because Allah will also deal with you in the judgement day.They follow leader when he was Governor and he also became senate president so whatever position you are in life you will surely end it one day.
“Pharaoh is very tall and Giant person, he spent many years on earth but he still later taste death. God use death to do wassiy for the rich and poor that everyone shall taste death. And also Allah did wassiy for all the Alfa’s in suratul imran.
Whoever clock 80-90years of age is close to death and won’t have much knowledge to know what’s happening in life again and that’s the end of life.We should always do good, Maja is gone already. It is the good deeds that he has done that will be speaking for him now and that’s what he’s going to meet in heaven so let us be thinking what are the good deeds we are going to meet in heaven May his soul Rest In Peace. God will always be with you and bless you abundantly Dr Bukola Saraki,” Onikijipa explained.
While giving his sermon at Maja’s Firdaus, Sheikh Aduagba reflected on the personal history of Alhaji Suleiman Kayode Yusuf Maja, a key figure in the political landscape of Kwara. Aduagba highlighted Maja’s journey, growing up under the guidance of leaders like Baba Saraki and serving as a commissioner. “Maja respected all the Alfas,” Aduagba recalled, pointing out that his success in politics was rooted in humility and respect for Islamic values. Maja, like Saraki, rose through the ranks with the support and prayers of religious leaders, and he remained loyal to Saraki’s legacy even when criticized for his devotion. “Suleiman Maja has Islamic knowledge, and he did his politics in Alfa’s way,” Aduagba emphasized.
In a critical tone, Sheikh Aduagba lamented how today’s political leaders have forgotten those who helped them rise to power. He remarked, “Governments that are in power today have forgotten who helped them in the past, and now they are against him.” He reminded those in power that it was under Saraki’s leadership that many politicians flourished, noting how many of them now own houses in GRA and have greatly benefited from his influence. Yet, despite these gains, they have turned their backs on the man who once helped them achieve their positions.
Sheikh Aduagba ended his sermon with a reminder from one of Dr. Bukola Saraki’s speech. He said: “I heard it from you one day, and I don’t even know you understand Yoruba well, but you said God will judge everybody according to their intentions.” His final words resonated deeply with many in the audience, as they reflected on the current tensed political atmosphere in Kwara State.
As these sermons spread across Kwara State, they have amplified the voices of those who feel marginalized and unheard. The religious leaders, through their sermons, have become the moral compass of the people, calling for accountability, compassion, and justice. The question now remains: will Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman heed this collective call? Only time will tell, but the spiritual leaders of Kwara have made it clear that the eyes of both the people and Allah are watching closely.
