By Is’haq Babatunde
The Elese of Igbaja, His Royal Highness Oba Ahmed Babalola Awuni Arepo III, has extolled the virtues of late Justice Muhammed Mustapha Akanbi CFR, describing him as a remarkable individual whose foresight and humanity have left a lasting legacy in the lives of the people.
Oba Ahmed Babalola Awuni disclosed this on Saturday, March 8, 2025, when he received members of the Massalam Islamic Foundation (MIF) during their annual Ramadan Da’hawa visitation to the town.
The monarch commended Justice Akanbi for living an exemplary life that is worthy of emulation.
He appreciated the late Jurist for establishing two functional and impactful foundations: Mustapha Akanbi Foundation (MAF) and Massalam Islamic Foundation Foundation, adding that both foundations are beneficial to the society even after his demise.
In his lecture at the occasion, Dr Umar Issa who spoke on the topic “Piety in Islam” encouraged Muslim faithfuls to be conscious of the teachings of Islam in all their life endeavours.
Dr Umar, who quoted Qurian 2 Verse 177 to buttress his points, emphasized that Piety is not about physical direction, but about faith and action.
He added that what is called righteousness is to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers.
Dr Umar, who is a lecturer at the Department of Geology and Mineral Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kwara State University, stressed further that Piety according to Allah in the glorious Qurian is demonstrated through acts of kindness, prayer, and perseverance.
“What is called piety is to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy… to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity… and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity. Such individuals are truly people of truth and God-fearing” He said.
The don, who is also a member of MIF, however commended the leadership of the Igbaja community: traditional and religious leaders, for their warm hospitality towards the visiting team and for creating a conducive environment that enabled them to effectively share the message of Islam through Da’hawa in the community.
Earlier in his remarks, MIF Coordinator Mallam Jibril Toyin Ali revealed that the MIF was established in 2009 as an offshoot of the MAF, which was founded three years earlier in 2006 by the late Justice Akanbi, may he rest in peace.
Accordingbto him, “MIF aims to provide charitable services, propagate Islam through Da’hawa, and offer support to vulnerable groups, including hospital patients, prison inmates, and those in need within the community”.
The visiting team was warmly received by traditional and religious leaders led by the Elese and the Chief Imam of Igbaja respectively.
Highlight of the event included the presentation of sermon, special prayers for the community and donation of food stuff to the host community.
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