The Grand Mufti of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, has said that the prayers of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for unity, progress, and collective success of the Ilorin Emirate are manifesting through the peace and development currently witnessed across the Emirate.
Sheikh Onikijipa stated this while speaking at the 12th Empowerment Programme organized by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) under the leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Uthman Jagunmo, as part of activities marking the 30th coronation anniversary of the Emir.
Just Event Online TV reports, The Grand Mufti recalled that when the Emir was turbaned as the 11th Emir of Ilorin, he prayed for the success and achievement of all Ilorin indigenes and has since been observing fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
“Ilorin was not like this before the Emir ascended the throne. All what the Emir prayed for is gradually coming to reality,” Sheikh Onikijipa noted.
He emphasized that one of the Emir’s major priorities has always been the unity of all Ilorin indigenes, to ensure that what belongs to the community remains within it.
The Islamic scholar, however, cautioned against the spirit of selfishness and disunity among indigenes, warning that such attitudes hinder collective growth and development.
“There is one major problem we must address — the mindset of ‘everything must be mine.’ If we don’t change this attitude, it will continue to hurt us collectively,” he said.
Sheikh Onikijipa urged Ilorin indigenes to emulate the cooperative spirit of people from other regions who always rally around one another for progress, stressing that unity is key to development and political relevance.
“At the national level, Ilorin lacks strong representation in key positions, and that is why we have lost our voice. We must stop working against one another and support those among us who have the opportunity to rise and serve,” he advised.
He concluded by reaffirming the Emir’s consistent prayers for unity and progress, urging all sons and daughters of Ilorin to speak with one voice and work together for the continued development of the Emirate.
