Islamic group honours El-rufai, Oluwo in Lagos
An Islamic body under the aegis of the Muslims Right Concern, on Sunday conferred on the Oluwo Of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, and the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the “Defender Of The Faithful” awards.
The event, which was held in the Combo Hall of Lagos State Television, drew the presence of some dignitaries from all walks of life.
The awardees were described as outstanding personalities in the defence of faith as who had written their names in the annals of history with their contributions to religious development.
At the ceremony, Oba Akanbi said, “I am honoured with the award of the ‘Defender Of The Faithful’ bestowed on me by the respectable Islamic body, Muslims Rights Concern. The recognition has presented a formidable challenge to do more towards the propagation of the oneness of Olodumare (God).”
“On behalf of the good people of Iwoland and my well-wishers, I appreciate MURIC in general and specifically its founder, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, for considering me worthy. I pray for a happy retirement and more prosperous years of positive accomplishment.”
The monarch described the body as credible and its members as embodying impeccable pedigrees that can stand the test of time at any particular time.
While noting that the award was a challenge to further propagate the oneness of Olodumare which means God in Yoruba parlance, the traditional ruler charged other monarchs, especially those in Yorubaland, to dedicate themselves more to defending the institution of God they represent.
The event was chaired by the legal icon, Mallam Yusuf Ali, and the keynote address was given by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, who was also an awardee of the event.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Rufai described the awards as well-embraced and pledged to forge ahead in the proclamation of faith.
He, however, preached unity and harmony among religious groups and warned against sectionalism, segregation, and nepotism in the interest of the country’s development.
