Aiyedatiwa celebrates chairman, League of Imams in Ondo at 90

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Saturday, attended the 90th birthday celebration of the Chairman, League of Imams in Ondo State.

Describing the celebration of the Grand Chief Imam of Owo, Alhaji Sheik Ahmad Aladesawe, Aiyedatiwa said he is a “father figure.”

The event, attended by Grand Chief Imams, Chief Imams, prominent Islamic scholars from across the country, and eminent Nigerians, took place at the Oba Sir Olateru Olagbegi Civic Center in Owo.

Aiyedatiwa was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, who thanked Sheik Aladesawe for his selfless service to the people of Ondo State in particular, and Nigeria at large.

He said, “Our dear baba, we want to appreciate you for always standing up for what is just,” the governor remarked, as he continued to pay glowing tribute to the nonagenarian.

The governor also appreciated Sheik Aladesawe for his support for the state government at all times, asking for God’s strength for the Islamic leader.

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“Baba Aladesawe is not just a Muslim leader but a father figure to many people across diverse faiths, cultures, and ethnicities,” the governor added.

In addition to his role as the Grand Chief Imam of Owo, Alhaji Aladesawe is currently the Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas in Ondo State, and Secretary General, League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States.

Remarking, Chairman of the occasion and retired Lagos High Court Judge, Hon. Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, extolled the virtues of the Grand Chief Imam.

He said the fact that Sheik Aladesawe’s late father was a highly respected Chief Imam did not automatically qualify him to be one, but that he had long prepared himself in learning and character for the exalted position.

Olateru-Olagbegi acknowledged the progress made so far in ensuring unity is restored to the Owo kingdom, commending the deputy governor for steering the process.