The body of Muslim spiritual leaders, The League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta states, at a meeting in on Monday, approved the appointment of popular merchant, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, also known ad D-Damak as the new Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.
The position became vacant after the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, who held the title for 34 years, died on June 18, 2014 at the age of 69.
Secretary-General of the body, Sheikh Ahmad Olagoke Aladesawe, who announced the approval in Ibadan, said the decision of the Rabittah, as the League is otherwise known, being the body vested with the power to make such an appointment, was final.
Sheikh Aladesawe, who is the Chief Imam of Owo, in Ondo State, said the letter of appointment would be presented to Alhaji Akinola in due course and handed Alhaji Akinola over to the President of the League, Sheikh Jamiu Bello Keulere, for official recognition.
Sheikh Keulere charged Alhaji Akinola to be mindful of the huge responsibility before him as the Aare (president) to the Muslim community, as well as the Rabittah.
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Akinola called for prayers and the support of the entire Muslim Ummah to render the service successfully and meet standard set by the late holder of the office, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao.
“I never believed I could be chosen as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland as I felt I have not done enough to deserve this esteemed position. However, I believe I should not reject the call to serve Allah, as this is an avenue for me to improve my service to humanity and for further propagation of Islam.
“The late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao laid a high standard for this office. I, therefore, need the prayers of all to meet and surpass the standard. As I whole-heartedly accept this offer as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, I solicit your support and prayers at all times for me to record an enviable success in this responsibility,” Alhaji Akinola said.
