By Lukman Omikunle
The dynasty of late Grand Sheik of Islam, Ibrahim Alabi Olohungbebe, says the family has neither been in contention nor partake in contestation for any kind of position in Otta, Ogun State, adding that peace and development of Aworiland have always been their priority above other personal interests.
This is coming following controversial issues surrounding the choice and selection of the first Grand Mufti for Awori land in Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.
The revered Ibrahim Alabi Olohungbebe dynasty otherwise known as the OLOHUNGBEBE/AJARA family is a foremost Islamic religion clan with unblemished chains of successful contributions to the development of Awori.
Newsheadline247 understands there have been silent intrigues in the Ota Muslim community over who becomes the first Grand Mufti of the ancient Awori town.
The Olohugbebe/Ajara family, however, dissociated self from any form of competition or lobbying for the post while stressing that unity among all residents of the town has always been its prime concern, regardless of religion or ethnic affiliate.
The family, according to its norms, has always worked meticulously for the peaceful coexistence of all in Otta, Aworiland and its environs through their over seventy years of unprecedented peaceful propagation of Islam in the community.
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In a statement signed by Khaleefah Monzur Bolaji Olohungbebe and made available to newsheadline247, while expounding their position, the family said their utmost priority is “upholding the everlasting ties between our family and every other Awori family, especially the Olota and the entire Muslim community.”
“It has never been and will never be the wish of our family to disrupt the peaceful coexistence to which our fathers also contributed significantly,” the statement added.
Kaleefah Olohugbebe further stated that the family will avail whoever eventually emerges “a total and unhindered support.”
Read the statement below in full (Unedited)
OUR POSITION ON THE CONTEST FOR GRAND MUFTI OF AWORI LAND, OTTA
Over the course of the last number of months, the OLOHUNGBEBE/AJARA family has followed with keen interest the issues surrounding the choice of the first Grand Mufti for Awori land.
While we wish to acknowledge the goodwill that has been extended to us as a family, we however would like to state as follows:
1. That in line with our family’s norms and values, we do not encourage or partake in contestation for any kind of position, judging by our absolute conviction that only Allah (S.W.T) bestows positions and privileges on whoever He chooses.
2. That the peace, harmony and development of Ota is our priority, and we therefore, would not be a part to anything whatsoever that is capable of derailing the peaceful co-existence or continued progress of Awori community.
3. That it has never been and will never be the wish of our family to disrupt the peaceful coexistence to which our fathers also contributed significantly. That we believe no position, no matter its influence equates the duty we owe our fathers to sustain their goodwill among the Awori people and indeed the family reputation. Anything that will hinder the observance of this collective family duty will never enjoy our backing or support.
Finally, the family would like to sincerely appreciate the courage of our students, followers (mureedoon and mureedaah) admirers, loyalists and friends who agitated for the position of Grand Mufti of Awori land to be conceded to one of our fathers. While we appreciate this obvious show of solidarity and love, we would like to request that no one should do anything whatsoever to facilitate the choice of anyone of our family for the position.
However if any of our family is deem fit for this title; Allah’s choice, and indeed the choice of the key Muslim leaders and stakeholders of Awori community will also be the choice of the OLOHUNGBEBE/AJARA family, and we will, Insha Allah, avail whoever eventually emerges a total and unhindered support.
Indeed, our priority and commitment are towards upholding the everlasting ties between our family and every other Awori family, especially the Olota and the entire Muslim community. And we would do everything humanly possible to ensure the sustenance of the strong bond that exists between us all these years.
Again, we thank all and sundry who have played a role in ensuring that our peaceful co-existence is not affected in anyway by this issue. May Allah (S.W.T) abide by you all and guide your affairs.
FOR OLOHUGBEBE/AJARA FAMILY
Khaleefah Monzur Olohungbebe
