By Bukola Hameed, Ibadan
A new Imaam has been turbaned at Alaro Elegbede Central Mosque, Alaro, Sanngo, Ibadan. The new Imam is Alhaji AbdurRasaq Owolabi.
The official turbaning ceremony was held at Alaro-Sanngo on Sunday under the permission of the chief Imaam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakr Agbotomokekere.
Alhaji AbdurRasaq Owolabi was reminded of the position of imam in Islam, a position which was described as “servants to the community”. Part of his duties, as the imam, aside bidding good and forbidding evil, is to oversee the overall spiritual development of Muslims, men and women.
While speaking with NewsLiveNigeria immediately after the ceremony, the newly turbaned imam expressed gratitude to Allah, and to those who are instrumental, by Allah’s permission, in making him the Imam. He however affirmed his resolve to serve Allah through Alaro Muslim Community, stressing that with the support of the community and prayer, his time and reign would usher in tremendous development.
The new Imam who hails from Ode Aje Compound became the Mufasir of Alaro Central Mosque in 1977 under the then imam, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Omotoso.
At the turbaning ceremony were the Alfa Agba of Ibadan land, Alhaji Sheikh AbdulFatai Alaga(JP), Alhaji Mikail Adebayo, Alhaji AbdulLateef Adeleke, the Otun of Aare Alaro Central Mosque, Alhaji AbdulKareem Awoyemi and Fadhilat Sheikh Alhaji Hamzat Osuolale.
Other guests of honour included Alhaji AbdurRasheed Olaibi aka 10-10, Alhaji AbdulGaniy Lagbeni and a host of others.
However, the Ilorin-trained new Imaam was described as God-fearing, humble, dedicated, friendly and loving.