New Baba Adinni Outlines Vision For Preserving Heritage, Uniting Epe

Eko Hot Blog reports that the newly appointed Baba Adinni of Epe, Alhaji Chief Abiola Anifowoshe, recently sat down for an interview with Eko Hot Blog to discuss his visionary leadership plans for preserving cultural heritage and unifying the community.

As the fourth Baba Adinni of the Epe division, he feels honored to take on this esteemed role and the immense responsibility that it carries. Having been born 71 years ago in Epe, Baba Adinni Abiola draws on his deep lineage within the town, including his father who started the first transport service in the pre-division era and his grandfather who was the first to play traditional music there.

With Islam guiding nearly all aspects of life in Epe, the Baba Adinni outlined his initiatives for upgrading the historic central mosque, improving transparency of mosque finances, and consulting diverse community groups.

Overall, he aims to surpass his predecessors and leave a legacy of strong Islamic faith, community unity, and progress for future generations.

Can you share about your family heritage and lineage within the community?

I was born about 71 years ago from a Noble family in Epe town into the Anifowoshe descendant family.

My father was the late Alhaj Munirudeen Adeniyi Anifowoshe, a famous transporter in our town who started the first transport business in the Epe division era.

His father (My Grandfather) was the late Alhaji Yaya Kudus Anifowoshe, the first person to land a plane in our town.

He went to Hajj, saw a plane, and asked to be flown back to our town since he was a rich man.

I come from a long line of leaders in Epe.

What responsibilities does the title ‘Baba Adinni’ hold for you, and how do you perceive your role in the community?

A: The clan chief imam and Kabiyesi must agree on the Baba Adinni.

They chose me because of my service.

I personally designed and built the new Eid ground in our town over 10-15 years ago.

As Baba Adinni, I must uphold Islamic values, listen to all sides of issues in the community, and use God’s strength to find solutions.

I plan to do more for Epe than my predecessors as the fourth Baba Adinni of the division. It is a great honor and responsibility.

How do you plan to preserve cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges and engaging community members?

A: Our community is 99.9% Muslim, so Islam guides us.

I will consult extensively with all community groups and our traditional prime minister, the Mogaji Ngeri to hear their views.

By working together, we can find ways to preserve our heritage while also improving things.

I already have a new architectural design for our 1862 central mosque using modern technology.

What initiatives do you envision to address the community’s needs and foster unity among different groups?

A: Upgrading our central mosque, which was built in 1862 and is the heart of Epe, will bring everyone together.

I envision rebuilding it with donations from the community.

I also want to increase the transparency of mosque finances to maintain community trust.

As Baba Adinni, I must listen to all groups and foster unity.

How do you ensure transparency and accountability in your leadership, and what legacy do you hope to leave as ‘Baba Adinni’?

A: As chairman of the central mosque for over 18 years, all finances are publicly posted on the notice board.

Anyone can verify donations and spending directly with the bank.

For any major expenditure, the whole community must agree.

My legacy will be rebuilding the central mosque, with God’s grace, to uplift Epe’s Islamic faith.

I will listen to the people, not let them down, and do my utmost to improve our community.

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