Iwo-Isin Installs New Grand Chief Imam, Launches N1 Billion Fundraiser for Ultra-Modern Mosque
By Omowumi Omotosho
The Muslim community of Iwo-Isin in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Saturday, witnessed a historic religious and communal milestone as Sheikh Ibrahim Zakariyah of Okerese compound was formally turbaned as the new Grand Chief Imam of the town.
The well-attended ceremony, which doubled as the launch of a N1 billion fundraising campaign for the construction of an ultra-modern central mosque for the community, took place at the LGEA Primary School in Iwo-Isin, with an opening prayer at approximately 12:12 p.m.
The new chief Imam before turbaning
Council of Imams in Isin
Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Al-Imam
Distinguished personalities at the ceremony .
Iwo-Isin Central Mosque
Prominent royal fathers, Islamic leaders, politicians, and dignitaries from across Kwara and beyond graced the occasion. Among them were the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin and Chairman of Isin Traditional Council, HRH Oba Solomon Oloyede; Oniwo of Iwo-Isin Kingdom, HRH Arch Joshua Ayinla Olutade; and the Elese of Igbaja, Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola.
Others in attendance included the Executive Chairman of Isin LGA, Hon. Jolayemi Lanre Benjamin; National Chairman of the Iwo Muslim Community, Alhaji Abdulrahman Babatunde Yusuf; Jagunmolu Adini of Iwo, Alhaji Abdulsalam Ayinla; Mufazir of Iwo, Sheikh AbdulKareem Hassan Orinikewu; the Asiwaju Adinni of Iwo and Chairman/CEO of Yusuf-Tan Properties, Chief Alhaji Nurudeen Abioye Yusuf, the Asoju Oba of Oro Kingdom, Alhaji Taiye Mustapha; the proprietor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji; the Babalaje Adini of Iwo, Alhaji Idris Salawudeen and Alhaji Abdulfatai Adeyemi who represented the CEO of Kam wire holding,
The event also drew representatives from the Councils of Imams from communities such as Kajola, Ekiti Local Government, Oke Ero, Ora, Owu, and Odo Ekun.
The Oniwo of Iwo-Isin, Oba Joshua Olutade, in his remarks, charged the sons and daughters of Iwo, the new chief Imam and other scholars to collaborate in promoting peace and spiritual growth within and beyond the community.
“This programme is a way of saying the community accepts the person in question, and they are willing to work hand in hand to achieve a common goal. I beseech every sons and daughters of Iwo to continue giving room for peace and unity, once there is peace and unity, we can achieve our common goal,” he noted.
On his part, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede, praised Sheikh Zakariyah as a young yet wise leader, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed with the support of the community.
“The Imam might be young, but he is wise, and with the community’s support, he will excel”, the monarch said.
Delivering a sermon at the event, the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Al-Imam, offered words of counsel to the new religious leader. He urged Sheikh Zakariyah who is in his forties, to prioritize unity among Muslims regardless of ideological or sectarian differences. “You are the Imam of the whole community, not a particular sector,” he emphasized. He further advised the new Imam to view his position as one of service, not power, and stressed the importance of patience in leadership, reminding him that endurance and wisdom are key traits of a successful Islamic leader.
The Chairman of the occasion, the Asoju Oba of Oro Kingdom, Alhaji Taiye Mustapha, described the turbaning as a symbol of unity and love across all religious divides.
“The Imam was chosen because the people trust him, and he must now uphold the teachings of the Qur’an”,” he said.
Speaking in an interview after his turbanning as the new Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakariyah, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, the Iwo-Isin Muslim community, and other stakeholders for their trust and support. He pledged to use his position to strengthen unity among Muslims in Kwara State.
“We thank the Almighty Allah for making today’s occasion a reality. By the special grace of Almighty Allah and the support of Muslim community, we are looking forward for a higher level for this community. We are looking forward before everyone to come together in assisting us to propagate the deeds of Islam. I also appreciate my people for coming together to make today’s occasion a successful one,” he said.
The highlight of the occasion was the launch of a N1 billion fundraising campaign for the construction of the proposed Iwo-Isin Central Mosque. Various dignitaries pledged financial support and reaffirmed their commitment to the spiritual and infrastructural development of the community.
