Mama Obalokun’s first anniversary: Clerics extol deceased, preach perseverance
By Salahudeen-Okoro Khadijat
Muslim women have been urged to persevere and embrace Islam entirely, making judicious use of what God has bestowed upon them.
The Chief Imam of Khaleel Fawehinmi Government House Mosque Ground in Akure, Alhaji Yunus Abdullahi Anola, gave this advice during the first remembrance anniversary celebration of the late Alhaja Khadijat Obalokun, held recently at Khadob International School, Akure.
Anola, who delivered a lecture titled “Perseverance in All Ramifications” at the anniversary, described Mama Obalokun as having shown exemplary virtues of perseverance during her lifetime, worthy of emulation. He emphasized that Muslim women should practice their faith in Islam fully, as there is no such thing as being partially Muslim.
The Imam of Ondo State Government Fawehinmi Government House, Alhaji Yunus Anola, reiterated this advice while delivering a lecture to mark the first-year remembrance anniversary of one of the pioneer Presidents of the Ondo State Chapter of FOMWAN, Alhaja Khadijat Alley Obalokun, over the weekend at Khadob International Secondary School, Akure.
He urged women to take their religious life seriously and ensure thorough practice so that their future will be secure.
“We brought nothing into this world, and we will not take anything back. What we acquire on earth will only be used for a while before we depart from this world.”
“Madam Obalokun and her husband started very well, and for more than 50 years, her Nikkai was the first modern Muslim Nikkai performed at the old Central Mosque of Owo before they traveled abroad,” he said.
“They did everything together, and upon their return, the husband married another wife for reasons known to them. However, this did not hinder the success of their children.”
Anola advised women to emulate Obalokun’s sincerity and faithfulness to God amidst marital challenges, seeking Allah’s blessings rather than abandoning their faith due to uncertainty.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas, Ondo State, Alhaji Sheikh Ahmed Olagoke Aladasawe, called on women to be submissive to their husbands to achieve success in this world and the hereafter.
“In addition, the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Alhaji Sheik AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, urged Muslims to patronize the Muslim schools established by late Obalokun and many other Muslim schools where Islamic morals and tenets of the religion can best be instilled in the children.”
He was joined by dignitaries at the occasion, including Sheikh Dr. AbdulHakeem Adekunle Akorede, the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, and the Chief Imam of Ijebu Owo, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji AbdulBasit Adam.
Other attendees included Professor Isiaq Adekunle Amoo, Chairman of the Muslim Community at FUTA, the Council of Imams of Owo, and members of FOMWAN led by State Amirah Alhaja Medinat Omikunle, among others.
The late Alhaja Khadijat Alley Obalokun was a foundational member and Amirah of the Ondo State Chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
She was also the proprietress of KHADOB International College Oba-Ile Akure and TESFA BAKERY in Akure.
