Islamic Scholars, Leaders Converge for Ilorin National Muslim Peace Conference 2024 

By Omowumi Omotosho and Bamidele Aremu

The hall of De-Peace Hotel, Tanke, Ilorin, kwara state capital, became a hub of Islamic honor and intellectual discourse on Tuesday as prominent figures from Nigeria’s Islamic and academic communities gathered for the Ilorin National Muslim Peace Conference 2024.

The event, hosted by Dr. Alabi Salihu Hammed of Kwara State University, Malete, brought together influential voices to address the pressing need for unity and harmony within the Muslim community.

Vice Chancellor Kamaldeen University Ilorin Prof Gbenga Jimoh delivering his speech.

Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, delivering his speech

Sheikh Lukman Isalekoto delivering his speech.

R-L Prof. Abdullateef Oladimeji, Vice Chancellor Kamaldeen University Ilorin Prof Jimoh,and Dr.Muritala . A

Alhaji Nurhu Magaji, Former CPS to the former Governor of Kwara state, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, Engr Abdulrahman Giwa ,and Deputy Commission of Police Kwara state ,Nurudeen Abdulraheen.

R-L former grand Kadi of Sheria court of Appeal Kwara state, Justice Idris Haroon and Damasani of Ilorin Engr Suleiman Alapasanpa.

Themed “The Ilorin National Muslim Peace Conference 2024,” the conference sought to foster peace, understanding, and collaboration among Muslims while emphasizing the critical role of education and leadership in achieving these goals.

The conference boasted a distinguished lineup of attendees, including renowned Islamic scholars and academics. Among them were the Founder, Al-Hikma Al-Balegah, Sheikh Lukman Isalekoto, the Grand Mufty of Ilorin; Sheikh Suleiman Onikijipa, the Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, the Vice Chancellor of Muhammad Kamaldeen University (MKU), Ilorin; Professor Rasheed Gbenga Jimoh; Professor Oladimeji Lateef Folorunsho of Al-Hikmah University; and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Professor Mahmood Jimba, a Professor of law, shariah consultant, and internationally certified arbitrator, Professor Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro.

R-L Mufit of ilorin Sheikh Suleiman Onikijopa , Pro Abdulrazzq Alaro and Sheikh Ahmad Olarewaju.

R-L Grand Kadi Sheria court of Appeal Kwara state Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen Waziri of Share, Prof.Jamiu Suleman and former grand Kadi ,Justice Salihu Oloruntoyin.

National Chief Imam Al-Hahbibiyyah Islamic Centre Abuja ,Sheikh Fuahd A Adeyemi ,National Missioner Ansarudeen Sociarty of Nigeria Sheikh Olarewaju Abdulrahman , Prof. Abdulrazzq Alaro and Prof. Mahmoud Jimba.

R-L onipako of Share Oba Haruna Olawale Suleman,Magaji Gari of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammadu Jamiu Adebayo, and Makama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye.

R-L Prince Madibo Kawu, Hon Hakeem Jaji and Sheikh Lukman Isalekoto.

Chief of staff prince Abdulkadir Mahe , Dr. Miritala A , Dr. Sambaki Sambo, Prof. G. Jimoh , Prof Abdullateef Oladimeji.

L-R Convener Dr. Alabi Hammed ,Mallam Nasir Abdulkadir

L-R Alhaji Saheed Bolaji Yusuf, Alhaji Abdulkadir Muhammad and Pharm. Kale Ayo.

L-R Alhaji Yusuf Ibrahim, Alhaji Amuda Alabi and Alhaji Shittu Olaonipekun.

Other notable participants included; the National Missioner, Ansar Ud Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Abdulrahman, the Waziri of Share; Professor Jamiu Suleiman, Justice Salihu Oloruntoyin; and Justice Idris Haroon, both former Grand Kadis of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal. The Onipako of Share, Oba Haruna Olawale Suleiman, the Makama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, and the Magaji Gari of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Jamiu Adebayo, also graced the event, underscoring the significance of traditional rulers in fostering peace. Also, present was the Chief of Staff to the Kwara State Governor, Prince Abdulkadir Mahe and Kwara State Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nurudeen Abdulkareem.

R-L Hajia Hadizat Audu Salihu, Hajia Mutiat Olushola ,Prof.Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, Dr.Habeebah Nike Adam and a guest.

The former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Idris Haroon, opened the conference with a heartfelt prayer that connect to the souls of the participants of the conference.

While addressing participants of the conference, the Convener of the conference, Dr. Alabi Salihu Hammed emphasized the need for Muslims to rise above divisions and work collectively towards peaceful coexistence.

The Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh (Dr.) Suleiman Faruk Onikijipa in his address at the conference, beseeched all Muslims to focus on unity than what disunite them. He futher disclosed that all Muslims, no matter the ideology, are one because they are all tied together with the good message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

“What is causing problems for us is unnecessary rivalry among various Islamic scholars. We need to understand that we believe in the same message and we are heading to the same conclusion,” he said.

Also, a Professor of law, shariah consultant, and internationally certified arbitrator, Abdulrazzaq Abdulmajeed Alaro emphasised the importance of peace in religious practice. He opined that scholars should learn how to tolerance each other as peace always come with sacrifice.

“We need peace as scholars, teachers, preachers and Alfas. Peace is needed to deliver the message of peace. Peace cannot come without sacrifice, we should be ready to tolerate each other”

Similarly , the National Missioner, Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Abdulrahman, suggested that for peace to reign, Islamic scholarship should stop interfering with politics and follow-up actions. He also suggested that there should be regulations against unruly scholars that are using social media to wreak havoc and incite violence in the name of Islam.

Furthermore, National Chief Imam, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Centre Abuja, Sheikh Fuhad Adeyemi emphasized that peace is paramount not just for religious reason but also for political and economic growth. According to the erudite scholar, ” Peace is very essential both in political and economic sphere”

The CEO of D-positive Global Image Service Consult Limited, Mallam Nasir Abdulkadir in his speech declared that for peace to reign, Islamic scholars and students should try their hands on different kinds of productive activities that propagate Islam more rather than arguing on social media.

” Do not reduce yourself, there are so many things you can do that would make you useful for the cause of Islam. Always aim for good things,” he said while passing his message to Arabic and Islamic Studies students seated at the conference.

The Ilorin National Muslim Peace Conference 2024 concluded on a note of profound hope and renewed commitment to unity and progress. Through the collective wisdom of the scholars, leaders, and traditional rulers, the event underscored the transformative power of dialogue and tolerance in fostering peace within the Muslim community.

As the echoes of inspiring speeches and heartfelt appeals for unity lingered in the hall, participants departed with a shared resolve to champion harmony, embrace diversity, and uphold the noble teachings of Islam in their lives and communities. The conference not only highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts, but also served as a testament to the enduring potential of faith, education, and leadership to bridge divides and pave the way for a brighter, more peaceful future.

Ilorin once again stood tall as a beacon of Islamic scholarship and unity, reminding all that the path to peace begins with understanding, respect, and the willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of all and sundry.