By Abolaji Adebayo
The serene premises of Taqwallah Central Mosque, Adubuleja Dalemo, erupted in celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026, as the community turbaned eleven new members into high-ranking Islamic chieftaincy titles. But beneath the glittering agbadas and flowing hijabs came a stern warning: this honor is no excuse for vanity.
In a charged speech that drew murmurs of affirmation from the crowd, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Tijani Semasa, urged the newly appointed leaders to shield the dignity of Islam from anything that would tarnish its sanctity.
“Let me make this clear: this turban is not a fashion accessory. It is not for showing off at parties or inflating your ego,” Semasa declared, his voice rising above the afternoon breeze.
“You have been chosen to work for Allah, to propagate the unshakable tenets of Islam, and to push the mosque toward progress. Anything less is a betrayal of this robe.”
Directing his words to the new Baba Adini (Father of the Faith) and Iya Adini (Mother of the Faith), Semasa charged them to lead with humility and unity.
“Walk hand in hand with your fellow turbanees and our Chief Imam. A divided house cannot uplift the Ummah. Together, you must be the pillars this mosque leans on,” he said.
The Chief Imam of the mosque, Imam Lukmon Fasasi, who presided over the colorful investiture, echoed the chairman’s sentiments, tasking the honorees with a higher mission beyond the ceremony.
“You are no longer just members of this congregation. You are now ambassadors of this mosque and of Islam as a whole,” Fasasi said, adjusting his own turban as he faced the line of inductees.
“Wherever you go, let your character preach before your tongue. Let your actions mirror the mercy and justice of our Prophet (SAW).”
The Chief Imam noted with pride that Taqwallah Central Mosque has continued to witness remarkable development and spiritual growth. He described the turbaning of the new executives as a watershed moment.
“Today sets a new precedent. Not just for our community, but for every mosque within earshot of our adhan (call to prayer),” Fasasi added.
“This ceremony positions Taqwallah Mosque at the very forefront of Islamic activities in this region.”
He then tipped his cap to the planning committee, commending their precision.
“The Turbaning Committee led by Alhaji Ganiyu Ipadeola has executed a ceremony without blemish. May this become our new standard.”
Speaking with the gravitas of his new title, the newly turbaned Baba Adini, Mr. F. B. Bakare, beamed with gratitude while pledging actionable unity.
“I can say without hesitation, this programme was perfectly planned and perfectly executed,” Bakare said, shaking hands with well-wishers. “But perfection is a debt we pay daily. My pledge is simple: every newly turbaned member here will work in lockstep cooperation. We will grow this mosque, or we will wear the shame of failure.”
One of the most visibly emotional moments came from the newly appointed Agbesinga Adini, Alhaja Risikat Olayiwola, whose eyes glistened with excitement as she received her sash.
“I promise with every breath I have left,I will make every effort to ensure this mosque witnesses continuous progress. “lThis ceremony was structured with international class. I have traveled, and I know quality when I see it. My gratitude has no bounds,” Olayiwola said, clutching her certificate.
But perhaps the most memorable quote of the day came from Alaranse Adini, Alhaji Yisau Olusanya, who refused to give mortal men full credit for the flawless event.
“If you asked me to score the committee, I would have given them one hundred percent, but I give that perfect score only to Almighty Allah, who made everything go as planned. Still, the committee has done perfectly well. May Allah reward them with Jannah. They deserve every praise,” Olusanya said.
The newly turbaned members are F. B. Bakare as Baba Adini, Madam Kegunde Ayorinde as Iya Adini, Mr. T. A. Ademola as Asiwaju Adini, Alhaji Yisau Olusanya as Alaranse Adini, Alhaja Khadijat Oladunjoye as Iyasuna, Alhaja Faisat Osholake as Majeobaje Adini, Alhaja Risikat Olayiwola as Agbesinga Adini, Alhaja Tawakalitu Olusanya as Arowosadini, Madam Afusat Soboyede as Osupa Adini, Mr. AbdulJeleel Adegbenro as Seriki Adini, and Mr. Yusuf Fasasi as Somori Adini.
The ceremony closed with a collective prayer for the mosque’s continued rise, as the eleven new leaders, draped in honor and responsibility, walked back into the arms of their cheering community.
