- A new Chairman to lead the Ondo state League of Imams& Alfas has emerged, he is the Chief Imam of Ondo City, Shaykh Muhammad -Bashir Alimi
Alhaji Bashir Alimi Succeeded the late Chairman and Grand Imam of Owo, Shaykh Ahmad Aladesawe.
Announcing the Choice of Alhaji Bashir Alimi during a meeting of the League of Imams & Alfas in Akure, the Grand Mufti of Ondo state fakhru-l- Ulama, Southwest Nigeria, Shaykh Sirajudeen Batuta who doubles as the Chairman of the selection committee said the emergence of Shaykh Bashir Alimi followed due consultations with major Stakeholders
Shaykh Batuta who praised the resilience and co-operation of the Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheikh Abass Abubakar and Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede called for mutual co-operation to develop Islam in Ondo state.
“Before the death of late Aladesawe, there was peace & unity amongst members of the league of Imams in Ondo state and now that Baba is no more, we can’t afford go different ways”
” At a particular period, there was palpable fear of what may likely happen when Baba would be no more, however, we kept praying against premonitions “
Shaykh Batuta also announced the Chief Imam of Ikare as Vice-Chairman and Chief Imam of Akure as Grand Patron of the League of Imams & Alfas.
” As the Grand Mufti of Ondo state, my job is to work towards harmonious relationship in the league, therefore, we have appointed the Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheikh Abass Abubakar to be deputy while the post of Grand Patron goes to the Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh AbdulHakeem Akorede”.
Earlier, the Secretary of the League & the Chief Imam of Supare-Akoko , Sheikh Abdur- Rasheed Akerele had enumerated efforts of the Selection committee which culminated into the feat.
He appealed to every stakeholder to see Islam as one and work towards the collective goal of Muslims in the state
In his few remarks, the Grand Imam of Akure, Shaykh AbdulHakeem Akorede expressed disappointment over the plans of some intruders to cause mayhem and destabilize the league
” I am not contesting against Baba Bashir Alimi( Chief Imam of Ondo). I have announced him as the Successor of Baba Aladesawe during one of my recent sermon”
” If I had wanted to contest against Baba, he can’t win me……”
In his brief acceptance speech, the New Chairman of the league who doubles as the Chief Imam of Ondo, Shaykh Bashir Alimi said he was overwhelmed by his Choice to lead the league and of course the entire Muslims in the state at this period of time.
” I am overwhelmed! I thank you all for the confidence you have reposed in me- I promised not to let you down…….”
“This job ( leadership) is a collective responsibility, I therefore urge all of you and the entire Muslims in the state to rally round me and make the job easier for me, I am an old Shaykh.
The meeting also discussed preparations toward the forthcoming Ramadan among other developmental issues.
Highpoint of the meeting is the introduction and acceptance of the New Grand Imam of Owo, Shaykh Abdullah Yunus Anola.
The peaceful meeting attracted Chief Imams and Representatives from the Eighteen local government areas of the State.
