The deputy governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has been described as a man of virtue and ethic emulating Prophet Muhammad.
A NASFAT Guest Lecturer, Sheikh Abdul Afeez Abdulkarim Sarumi, stated this, even as he specially prayed for the state governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde.
Sheikh Sarumi spoke at the 20th Ramadan Lecture of the foremost Muslim association, held at NASFAT Oyo Zone 1 Headquarters, Samonda, Ibadan.
He described the deputy governor as a true Omoluabi who humbled himself before the young and the old, an commended him for creating time to attend the programme.
According to him, Lawal, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justuce in the state, is someone who is not afraid to show his true self to people.
The Islamic cleric added that the great determination of the deputy governor to become better is one of the many factors that pushed him to his present position.
Sheikh Sarumi, speaking on the topic, “Muhammad: An Ever Green Leader With Resounding Strategies”, said Prophet Muhammad was an ambassador created to bring fortune to the people as well as propagate Islam and call on people to abstain from sin.
He noted that the nature of the Prophet was to make people happy, advising that anyone in a position of leadership and has done so well should be informed that good things await them.
He said the essence of Rasulullah is to educate those in position of authority on good conduct and governance and not to make things harsh for those they are ruling over.
He also admonished them that leadership should not be propagated like those the Quran described as Munafiqun.
The guest lecturer also said the government of Prophet Muhammad never discriminated between Muslims and Jews.
He therefore commended the Governor Makinde-led administration for promoting religious harmony in the state and for being a government of the people.
He stressed that Muhammad humbled himself before everyone, adding that the deputy governor also have same attribute by humbling himself all times, even before young people.
The guest lecturer explained that Islam also encourage Muslims to participate in politics, stressing that the government must be a people’s government that will listen to the yearnings of the masses.
He then prayed for all Muslims in the present administration in the state, especially the deputy governor who he said is the high-ranking image of Muslims.
Sheikh Sarumi also offered special prayers for Governor Makinde, his deputy and other members of the incumbent administration in the state.
Speaking, the deputy governor exhorted Muslims to seize the occasion of the Ramadan period to seek for forgiveness and also for good deeds, saying everyone will account for their actions.
He said attended the lecture in appreciation of the support and prayer of NASFAT for him and his principal, Governor Makinde, as manifested in their overwhelming electoral victory in 18 March election.
He said NASFAT is dominated by highly enlightened minds, stating that the association acted in accordance with the preaching of the guest lecturer who spoke about the good character of Prophet Muhammad and a good leader.
The deputy governor described the Prophet as a trustworthy and patient man, adding that everyone needs to emulate his character.
He declared that the Governor Makinde-led administration is following the ideology of Prophet Muhammed on leadership to make Oyo State governable for all.
The deputy governor pledged the logistic support of the Oyo State government for the activities of NASFAT, assuring that he is always available to receive them.
The Ramadan Lecture was graced by other dignitaries, including chairman of the state Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Qamorudeen Aderibigbe; chairman, Ibadan North Local Government Area, Shuaib Oladayo Yusuf; Sheikh Abdul-Jeleel and Alhaji Kunle Sanni, among others.
