EKO NEWS

Turbaning Ceremony Unfolds in Epe: A Conversation with Hon Tobun Abiodun, Chairman Of Fundraising Committee

Published

10 months ago

Feb 10, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that in a momentous event at the Epe Itaopo Central Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkabir Oriyomi Shamradeen has been appointed as the new Chief Imam, marking a significant chapter in the mosque’s history.

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Honorable Tobun Abiodun, the Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Trade, Investment, and Industry, and also the Chairman of the Planning Committee for today’s program, shed light on the importance of this appointment.

Can you share the significance of Sheikh Abdulkabir Oriyomi Shamradeen’s appointment as the new Chief Imam for the Epe Itaopo Central Mosque?

At least the community are providing another new chief imam today. And that is the ninth chief imam for a prayer, central mosque, ita’opo, a ceremony that is applauded and that is well supported by all the sons and daughters of the community.

It’s a work of development and it’s important that at least there should not be any vacuum.

Exactly. So, the new chief imam is going to be turbaned today by the grand chief imams of the states. They will be coming today, all the grand chief imams to grant this occasion.

Thank you very much, sir. Thank you, sir.”

As the Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, what inspired the decision for the fundraising, what is the goal, and how much is the committee expected to raise?

“Do you know the central mosque has been built since 1978, and you know there are a lot of developments that is going on infrastructurally, global world, world over.

If you look at the glazing, if you look at the tiles, the structure is still okay. The doors, so even the house that you are living in, at least require renovation every 10 years at most, and 78 to this time is a long time ago.

So, we feel they should renovate it, we should paint it, renew the infrastructure, put AC, you know, make it, habitable for people who want to observe prayer, Jumat.

Yes. So, that is why we feel it is necessary and for the house to be in tandem with what is obtainable everywhere in the world.

In light of the recent religious unrest, how do you believe the appointment of Sheikh Abdulkabir Oriyomi Shamradeen will contribute to unity and stability within the mosque and the community?

“This is the chief imam that is meant to bring peaceful coexistence among the inhabitants, the indigenous, non-indigenous, residents, all tribes.

And this is a very solid Islamic scholar, very versatile, very experienced, and he has the power of God.

So he should be able to bring up sermons that will promote peaceful coexistence within the community, and that will make people to assure the virtue of Prophet Muhammad and why we need to work together to make peace.

Why do we need to live together? Why do we need to cohabitate? So as to ensure that we live together peacefully and in an harmonious way. So with that, with that sermon, I believe everything is in order.”

What message would you like to convey to the residents of Epe regarding the turbaning ceremony and the importance of community involvement?

“My message to them is for all to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence. We should work together as a brother. We have chosen another chief imam. They should cooperate and collaborate with him. They should support him in all facets. They should encourage him to do more for the community.

There is no perfect human being in the world, so we should expect him to do one or two mistakes.

But we must know that to err is human and to forgive is normal.

We are not saying he is going to make mistakes but he may. So we should have it at the back of our mind that he is a human being. And we must be ready to cooperate with him and accept him the way he is.

God will support him and God will lead him to the right path.”

How do you foresee the role of the new Chief Imam in fostering a sense of unity and collaboration between the Islamic and traditional chiefs of Epe land?

“The new things he should be putting into consideration.

Well, I think he must know that his appointment is just a divine intervention by Almighty Allah. That should guide him.

He should encourage scholars. Young scholars in the community to grow. He should encourage Islamic education more.

While people are going to higher institutions for further academic studies. They must be ready to develop themselves Islamically. Because this community is known for their rich Islamic culture and background.

He must be seen to be doing that within the confines of the mosque.”

FUTHER READING:

The turbaning ceremony serves not only as a spiritual milestone but also as a catalyst for positive change and collaboration within the Epe community.