Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has hailed Sheik Jamiu Kewulere Bello for 40 years of exemplary religious leadership, describing him as a “committed, consistent and humble” guide to Muslims across the South-West, Edo and Delta states.
Addressing a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of the Chief Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the region, Engr. Salako-Oyedele praised Sheik Kewulere’s unflagging energy and moral clarity despite his advancing years.
“A spiritual leader must do more than pray; he must guide, direct and strengthen the community,” she said.
“Sheik Kewulere’s leadership transcends state boundaries. I stand here not only for Ogun State but on behalf of Muslims throughout the South-West, Edo and Delta.”
The Deputy Governor thanked the organisers for inviting her, noting with surprise that, as an Ogun State indigen, she had forged no long-standing ties with Ekiti’s Muslim community prior to this event.
Also lauding the celebrant, Prof. Ishaq Olanrewaju Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), called on Imams and Alfas to wage war against drug abuse, exam malpractice and fraud among Muslim youths.
He urged governments to prioritise infrastructure and good governance.
Grand Mufti of Kwara State, Sheik Faruq Almiskinu Bilahi (Onikijipa), likened Sheik Kewulere to a prophet, noting that 40 years of meritorious service is a rare milestone “that even God Himself esteems.”
Rev. (Dr.) Emmanuel Aribasoye, CAN Chairman in Ekiti, commended the Imam’s warmth towards Christians, calling him “an epitome of peace, love and humility.”
HRM Oba Aladesanmi Adejuyigbe, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, praised both the people of Ado Ekiti for entrusting “this exalted office” to Sheik Kewulere and the Imam for discharging his duties “without controversy.”
In his remarks, Sheik Kewulere expressed gratitude to the Ekiti State Government, the League of Imams and Alfas, Christian leaders and the wider Muslim community for their support over four decades. He prayed that Almighty Allah would reward them all.
Senator Abduganiyu Babafemi Ojodu, Chairman of the organising committee, described the event as “more than a commemoration of time; it is a tribute to a life wholly devoted to Allah and to societal progress.”
The ceremony featured Quranic recitations and culminated in the presentation of a brand-new 2025 Toyota SUV by Senator Yunus Akintunde—representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—to the celebrant.
Sheik Kewulere Bello, whose four decades of leadership have fostered interfaith harmony and youth empowerment, remains a pillar of Islamic scholarship and community service in the region.
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