Firdaus Obiremi
An Islamic scholar, Ustaz Abdul Hakeem Folorunsho Oyegunle, has urged Muslims to prioritise family welfare, sound moral upbringing and financial responsibility, warning that wealth, overseas education and outward religious practices cannot replace good character.
Oyegunle, the Mufassir of the Onikolobo Muslim Community Central Mosque, Abeokuta, Ogun State, gave the warning during the mosque’s investiture ceremony, where distinguished personalities from the academic, security and business sectors were conferred with Islamic chieftaincy titles.
The ceremony, held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, attracted Islamic scholars, public officials, community leaders and other dignitaries, including the Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of North America, Washington, DC Chapter, Alhaji Imam Tajudeen Gbajabiamila.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Oyegunle said genuine righteousness went beyond outward religious observances, stressing that Muslims must demonstrate their faith through charity, compassion, responsible family care and the proper use of their wealth.
Citing Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177 of the Quran, the cleric said believers should begin their acts of kindness and financial support with their immediate families and relatives.
“God has made it clear in the Quran that true righteousness is not just turning your face to the East or the West. It means using the wealth God has blessed you with to support those around you, starting with your own relatives and family,” he said.
The scholar also criticised parents and guardians who spend huge sums sending their children to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States for education without giving adequate attention to their moral and spiritual development.
He argued that foreign education alone could not guarantee responsible conduct if children were not properly grounded in good character and religious values.
“What is the benefit of spending fortunes on overseas education if the foundation of character and piety is completely missing?” he asked.
Oyegunle further urged husbands and heads of households to discharge their marital and financial responsibilities, insisting that the welfare of dependants should not be sacrificed for public recognition or the pursuit of social approval.
“True righteousness demands that you start at home. Treat your family with love, compassion and fairness. Do not neglect your marital obligations or your responsibilities to those dependent on you,” he added.
Speaking after his installation as the Otun Baba Ad-deen of Onikolobo, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Olawale Taoheed Olokode, pledged to contribute to the growth of Islam and the development of the community.
Olokode said accepting the title came with a responsibility to support the religious community and contribute meaningfully to its progress.
“Muslims have one thing or the other to contribute to the growth and development of the religion in which we believe in. I am here to reassure the community that I am more than ready to contribute to Islam in this environment,” he said.
He also called on Muslims to promote unity and practise their religion sincerely, regardless of whether they were being watched by others.
According to him, religious commitment should be demonstrated through genuine conduct rather than pretence or the desire to impress people.
“The message I have for Muslims is that we should be united. We should practise this religion the way God has enabled us and asked us to do it. We should practise without pretence,” Olokode said.
Rector advocates skills acquisition for youths
Similarly, the Rector of D.S. Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Prof. Rauf Abdul-Hakeem Adegoke, who was installed as Giwa Ad-deen, pledged to deploy his experience in development communication and entrepreneurship to improve the lives of residents, particularly children and young people.
