The Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona has been conferred with the title of ‘Amir ul Mulukil Muslimin Fi Bilad’ meaning Commander of Muslim Kings in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.

The conferment ceremony, which took place at the Awujale’s palace ground, Ijebu-Ode, was organised by the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun urged Oba Adetona to continue to use his wealth of experience as a courageous and compassionate leader, to foster unity, peace and religious tolerance across the country.

Governor Abiodun said it is not surprising that the mantle of leadership, the first of its kind is falling on Oba Adetona, considering his quintessential leadership roles and immeasurable contributions to making the world a better place.

He said, “Today’s ceremony is a celebration of faith, value and courageous leadership as represented by the Awujale over the years.

“Our new Amir embodies compassion, wisdom and integrity which are the hallmarks of leaders and so Kabiyesi fittingly deserves this new leadership role.

“Your choice for this leadership role as Amir Mulukil Muslimin is a symbol of your inclusivity, peace and justice. You stand as a bridge between tradition and modernity. You are a man of faith, you are God-fearing, and you exemplify religious tolerance.

Abiodun therefore urged Awujale to use his new role to foster unity and peace across the country, saying that ‘no nation develops in a chaotic environment’.

He said that his government is committed to working with all stakeholders towards ensuring religious tolerance while the unity of this Country is further cemented.

Abiodun equally announced the flagging off of the reconstruction of the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode express road, positing that President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstruction work.

He disclosed that he visited President Bola Tinubu last week and sought for his intervention over the reconstruction of the road which has been in a poor state for many years..

He said the “The flag off of the reconstruction of this critical road serving 17 states in the southern region will be done today (Tuesday) I am going from here to meet the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi will be joining us for the flag-off ceremony.

While describing President Tinubu as a very responsive leader deeply committed to fixing the country, Abiodun called on the citizens to continue to support the administration.

Speaking earlier, Professor Emeritus and Chief Imam of Gbagura, Abeokuta Kamaldeen Balogun urged Awujale to continue to use his office to promote the development of Islam as well as the well-being and empowerment of Muslims across the country.

Prof. Balogun tasked the royal father to ensure that he championed the installation and burial of traditional rulers according to their religious inclination in the country just as he had successfully done for the royal fathers in Ogun State making it possible for people not to be subjected to beliefs that are incongruent with their religion.

The former university dons also appealed that Awujale should either build a university for the Muslims in the country or set up a world-class library as a way of immortalising his legendary.

The occasion had in attendance the Asiwaju of Ijebuland, Alahji Adebola Adegunwa, former Deputy Governors of the state, Senator Adegbenga Kaka and Alhaja Salmot Badru, the paramount ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde among other dignitaries.