The prominent high profile government officials, political leaders, religious scholars and community stakeholders gathered in Ibadan on Friday for the 6th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF), an initiative aimed at promoting spiritual reflection, unity and moral guidance during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, held at Delight Estate, Lakuru Idi Ape Bus Stop along Olorunda Abaa Road in Akobo Ojurin area of Ibadan, attracted dignitaries from across Oyo State’s political and religious circles.
The annual lecture, organised under the leadership and umbrella of the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, is part of the forum’s efforts to encourage faith-based dialogue, promote ethical leadership and strengthen communal harmony during Ramadan.
Delivering the lecture themed “Destiny (Kadara)”, the Chief Mufaseer of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Usman Saanu Sheu, offered a deep Islamic perspective on destiny, explaining its significance in the life of believers and how faith, patience and righteous actions shape individual and societal outcomes.
The respected cleric also commended Governor Makinde, Otunba Famojuro and Oloye Akika for what he described as the effective execution of leadership responsibilities which affects lives, noting that the governor’s policies and programmes reflect a positive alignment with the destiny and collective aspirations of the people of Oyo State.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire; Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as Double T; and Mr Ayo Alatise.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Executive Chairman of Egbeda Local Government; Hon Sikiru Sanda, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele Local Government; Hon Akinwole Akinleye, the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government; Hon Mudashiru Kamorudeen JP; the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government; Asiwaju Akeem Olatunji FNSE, the Executive Chairman of Ogo-Oluwa Local Government; Hon. Seun Ojo, and Vice Chairmen of Akinyele, Egbeda, Lagelu Local Government.
Other notable personalities included, chairman, oyo state civil service commission Alhaji Kamoru Abiodun Aderibigbe, the member representing Lagelu State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Olajide (AKT); SSA on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief (Mrs) Ramata Agberemi Dabo (RAD); Chairman of Oyo State Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), Adetokunbo Adeaga; and gubernatorial hopeful, Ajadi Oguntoyinbo.
The event also drew attendance from traditional leaders including Baales and chiefs, political functionaries, Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Alhaji Lukman Adesina and Hon Michael Ogunsina as well as members of Muslim and Artisan organisations such as FOMWAN, Jamuiyat Soliat, Nigeria Beauticians/Hairdressers Association, Shoe Makers, Teachers, Bike Riders, PMS among others.
Religious leaders including the League of Imams and Alfas from Akinyele and Lagelu Local Governments Imam Omituntun Lanase ed by Grand Chief Imam Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy AbuBakr Agbotomokekere were also present to offer prayers for peace, unity and progress in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Chief Host and Founder of the OBF, Oloye Benedict Akika JP, Agba-Akin Olorunda and Mayegun of Akoboland, reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the annual Ramadan lecture as a platform for spiritual growth, community development and moral reorientation.
Akika noted that the forum will continue to support initiatives that strengthen faith, unity and responsible leadership within society.
The lecture concluded with prayers and spiritual breaking of fasting for continued peace, prosperity and development in Oyo State and Nigeria, as participants urged Muslims and the wider public to reflect on the lessons of destiny, faith and perseverance during the sacred period of Ramadan.
