Oyo SSG Urges Muslims To Sustain Ramadan Discipline, Peaceful Coexistence•••As Political Leaders, Islamic Scholars Grace Olatunji’s 3rd Annual Ramadan Lecture
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Oyo State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Musibaudeen Babatunde, has charged Muslims to sustain the discipline, selflessness, and moral values cultivated during Ramadan beyond the fasting period.
He gave the charge at the 3rd Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, held at the newly commissioned Oluyole Multipurpose Hall in Ibadan.
The lecture, themed “Taqwa: Iberu Olorun (The Fear of God)”, drew prominent Islamic scholars, political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders from across Oyo State.
Prof. Babatunde urged Muslim faithful not to restrict acts of kindness, charity, and devotion to the holy month alone, stressing that the true essence of Ramadan lies in translating its lessons into daily conduct.
He also emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths, calling on residents to promote unity, tolerance, and mutual respect rather than division.
Similarly, the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as consistent support for the Muslim community in the state.
Ajewole noted that although the governor is not a Muslim, his administration has demonstrated fairness and inclusivity in governance.
He referenced the governor’s annual Ramadan lecture, stating that the forthcoming edition would be the 12th in the series.
According to him, the initiative began several years before Makinde assumed office and has continued throughout his tenure, reflecting a long-standing relationship with the Muslim community.
In his lecture titled “God Consciousness (Taqwa) as a Guiding Principle in Governance and Social Life,” the guest lecturer, Imam Daud Alawiye, stressed that wealth without the fear of God lacks lasting blessing.
“Whosoever does not fear God may have money, but will not have Alubarika,” he said, explaining that divine blessing gives value and stability to wealth and position.
The cleric urged leaders to prioritise integrity, accountability, and righteousness over material accumulation, adding that fear of God is fundamental to good governance and personal success.
He also called for unity among political office holders in Oluyole Local Government, cautioning against internal conflicts and encouraging cooperation for sustainable development.
Addressing family life, Alawiye advised women to uphold moderation and fairness in their marital relationships in accordance with Islamic teachings.
In his remarks, Engr. Olatunji said the annual lecture was organised to draw people closer to God and to instill accountability among leaders and citizens.
He noted that the programme also served as an avenue to commit forthcoming elections into divine hands.
“Just as Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration is guided by accountability, transparency, and integrity, we must ensure our actions reflect these values,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as ‘Double T’, urged political stakeholders in Oluyole to embrace unity and avoid divisive tendencies, stressing that progress can only be achieved through collective effort.
The Chief Imam of Oluyole described the lecture as historic, noting that no previous council chairman had organised such a spiritually focused programme in the local government. Special prayers were offered for Governor Makinde, Engr. Olatunji, and other dignitaries present.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Director-General of OYSADA, Dr. Debo Akande; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Mogbonjubola Abdul Mojeed; Chairman of the Local Government Service Pension Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; members of the Oyo State House of Assembly; local government chairmen; party leaders; traditional rulers; and representatives of various socio-political organisations.
The lecture concluded with prayers for unity, peace, and continued development in Oluyole Local Government and Oyo State at large.