The ancient city of Ibadan witnessed a rare convergence of leading Islamic scholars, traditional rulers and community dignitaries at the weekend as eminent cleric, Shaykh Abdulkabir Ibrahim Abanikanda, was formally turbaned Sharaful Kharashiyyah—the Pride of Kharashiyyah—at a ceremony graced by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The Sultan, who led an array of Islamic leaders to the event, described the honour bestowed on Shaykh Abanikanda as “a deserved recognition of decades of scholarship, moral integrity and unwavering service to the Muslim community.”
The turbaning, held on the premises of Kharashi Memorial Arabic School, Ibadan, marked a major milestone for the 80-year-old institution, acclaimed as the first Arabic Modern School in the old Western Region.
Founded in 1945 by Sheikh Alhaji Kharashi Muhammad Thanni and Alhaji Isa Mogaji, the school was originally known simply as “Arabic School.”
It was renamed Kharashi Memorial in 1965 by Mogaji following the death of Kharashi, in honour of the late scholar’s pioneering contributions to Arabic learning.
The institution was established to promote Islamic culture, Arabic literacy and moral discipline among Muslims in Ibadan—principles that attendees said the newly turbaned Sharaful Kharashiyyah embodies.
In a tribute, senior Islamic scholar, Shaykh Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Oyo State, praised Shaykh Abanikanda as “a torchbearer of Islamic knowledge whose commitment to teaching and character-building remains exemplary to generations.”
He added that the honour “reinforces the value that the Kharashiyyah family places on integrity, service and preservation of Islamic scholarship.”
The event drew dignitaries from across Nigeria, including:
His Royal Majesty Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, Ataoja of Osogbo, represented by his wife, Olori Adeola ; Dr. Abd Barih Adetunji, Grand Mufty of Ibadanland ; Barr. Kamaldeen Otukoya, Legal Adviser, Al-Mubajjal Islamic Heritage ; CSP Jamiu Raji, Chief Imam, Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos; Senior Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders, parents and alumni.
Speakers took turns to laud the school’s enduring legacy and Abanikanda’s decades-long contribution to the growth and stability of the institution.
In a brief remark, the newly installed Sharaful Kharashiyyah expressed gratitude to the school and the Muslim community, pledging to “continue serving Islam with sincerity, discipline and renewed dedication.”
The event ended with prayers for peace, knowledge and moral revival across the Muslim community in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
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