By OKANLOMO YOMI OLOJELOJU
I am writing this piece as a bonafide and proud son/indigene of Ota Aworiland and NOT as a political or religious leader of any sort.
As an indegene, I am bound to come out on issues that, to me, seem to have effects either negative or positive as it were on us as a nation.
The position of MUFTI in Ota has been on for several months now and this has successfully split the Islamic Community into two different groups/factions. There have been arguments in support and against each faction. So many theories here and there. Insinuations abound left and right.
Even, the issue, at a point degenerated into physical hiccups at Ota Central Mosque among those that are supposed to be religious role models to the generations coming behind. I view this as very embarrassing and dirty to the image of our great community and to our forefathers and our ancestors.
Therefore, if the reports are true that HRM did endorse and did sign the certificate of Mallim Nasir that Sunday, I want to believe that the Kabiyesi has spoken and everybody should for whatever reason(s) abide by the decision of his HIGHNESS.
I do not want to involve myself in points of argument of the two camps because it has taken after the game of politics as it were. But my position runs thus:
- I was reliably informed that Kabiyesi Olota of Otta, had conveyed many meetings that border on unity, reconciliation and harmonisation on this issue, but all to no avail.
- I was also reliably informed that at the 80th birthday of Imam Nasir (One of the candidates to the position of MUFTI) last Sunday where Olota was the Royal Father of the day, the said candidate was turbaned as part of the activities to celebrate the birthday and his certificate was endorsed and signed by Kabiyesi, Olota of Ota, that day.
- The following Friday, the other camp, after Jumat Service at Ota Central Mosque, also turbanned Barrister ( Alhaji) Wazeer Hibattulahi Salako as MUFTI Of Ota Aworiland of their own faction.
- Immediately after the Jumat turban, this group went to town in procession like a political rally celebrating the exercise.
MY OPINION
Regardless of whatever shade of arguments and counter arguments, we must first of all see the stool of Olota of Otta and the occupant of the stool as very sacred and revered. It therefore behoves on us to always ensure the sanctity of the throne and the occupant.
Awori is one indivisible entity and anything that will jeopardise the peaceful co-existence of it’s inhabitants should immediately be put off.
And for whatever happens, we must hold the throne in a very high esteem and respect.
Therefore, if the reports are true that HRM did endorse and did sign the certificate of Mallim Nasir that Sunday, I want to believe that the Kabiyesi has spoken and everybody should for whatever reason(s) abide by the decision of his HIGHNESS. Oba kan ki da’ba, Oba ma n pase ni.
Anything contrary to this is an aberration and confrontation again the decision and authority of Kabiyesi which, to me, is very uncivilised and uncalled for.
And in the interest of peace, unity and harmony, the matter should be put rest. Enough of ego and super ego. Awori is one indivisible entity and anything that will jeopardise the peaceful co-existence of it’s inhabitants should immediately be put off.
Our leaders (political, community and religious) should see this as one task that must be collectively tackled to save Ota from an embarrassing situation.
