A leading Islamic preacher, Muhydeen Bello, has promised to continue putting governments at all levels on their toes in his sermons to ensure they always do the right things. 

Mr Bello said this during his grand coronation as the leader/king of Islamic preachers in Lagos on Sunday.

He said the award was a challenge to intensify his preaching to the universe.

“I am not being awarded but to redouble my effort in what I am known for. Before now, I used to send words to the governments through my preaching; the government is magnanimous to come and meet me to tell them their rights and wrongs. Nigerians should expect good progress after the award of Yoruba Islamic preachers,” Mr Bello said.

He prayed to Allah to make the award a successful task for him and the Muslim community.

He advised governments to always fulfil their promises and urged Islamic preachers to support him on the new task.

“There is no government administration that I do not have friends but I do not reject their money because I want to practise what I am preaching.  There are lots of religious philanthropists that can build the secretariat for Yoruba Islamic preachers,” Mr Bello said.

The Yoruba Land Council of Islamic Preacher Leader (Amir), Shaykh Taofeek Akeugbagold, said the turbaning was a mark of true luminary of Islamic preaching.

Mr Akeugbagold said the council chose Mr Bello for being a courageous preacher, adding that he feared no one but Allah.

He said the benefits derived from the appointment would extend to those witnessing his sermons and the entire spectrum of Islamic scholars, educators, societies, and congregations throughout the Southwest.

Mr Akeugbagold said establishment of an edifice in Lagos State, designated as the office of the “Sultoonul Waa’zeen,” as well as the headquarters of the “Itihaadul Waa’zeen” in the South-West, was part of the strategic plan to facilitate the fulfillment of the responsibilities.

He said, “We see not only a leader of the YCIP but a guiding light for the entire Muslim community, a source of inspiration and hope for generations to come. Bello is dedicated to Islam, his portfolio of achievements, and his unwavering commitment to his duties serve as a testament to his unparalleled worthiness for this esteemed title.

“As we entrust him with this sacred responsibility, let us pledge our unwavering support, let us stand by his side as he leads us towards a future of enlightenment and prosperity. In a time marred by discord and division, let us strive to unite under the banner of peace; let us heed the call for harmony and understanding. Together, let us forge a path towards reconciliation, towards mutual respect, and towards a future where the bond of brotherhood shall never be broken.”

Aseyi of Iseyin kingdom, Oba Sefiu Adeyeri, urged people to support with dedication and determination.

The Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Justice, Abdul-Laeef Fagbemi, commended the organisers for being sincere in choosing Mr Bello for the award.

Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, prayed to Allah to see him through in his new position, adding that God would guide him right.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Insurance Consultant Ltd., Prof. Ahmed Salawudeen, said the coronation was the council’s choice, adding that Mr Bello was a prominent figure in the country.

He said that he had been together with Mr Bello for over four decades, adding that many Nigerians could attest that he was a good role model that had never compromised.

Also, a former Chief Judge of Lagos, Ishola Olorunnimbe, said Mr Bello was an erudite Islamic cleric, adding that he was always known for truth.

(NAN)