Popular Islamic scholar, Alhaji Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa, has been decorated as the Grand Mufti of Ilorin by the Emir of Ilorin, Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Zulu-Gambari.
Sheikh Onikijipa and seven other personalities were honoured today at the Mini-Durbar which was held today, Thursday.
Durbar is a religious festival celebrated on the third day of Eid-Kabir celebration in Ilorin. Due to the emergence of COVID-19, the festival was not celebrated last year.
The celebration of the festival was minimal this year in compliance with the Covid-19 protocol.
Sheikh Suleiman who is widely known as an Islamic lecturer, researcher and a tutor was born on February 25, 1962 to the family of Onikijipa.
He is the founder of Al-Amani place for Arabic and Islamic Training Community Lagos, Nigeria and the head Imam of Amani Focal Mosque.
Congratulating him and other appointees, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said he was convinced with the decision of the Emir.
“I congratulate all the new title holders as announced by Mai Martaba the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari (CFR). I am convinced that the decision of the Emir is based on the track records of these illustrious sons of Ilorin over the years. I have no doubt that they will discharge the duties of their offices to the admiration of all,” the Governor said.
“I equally congratulate the Mai Martaba on the joyous occasion and the advancement of the culture and tradition of his forebears, as well as the families honoured with these important traditional titles. I charge the new title holders to endeavour to join hands with the Ilorin emirate council to promote the larger interest of the community at all times.”