Key Takeaways
- The Grand Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, visited Markaz Agege in Lagos on Monday.
- The Mudeer of Markaz, Shaykh Habeebullahi Al-Ilory, hosted him during the weekly Halqoh lecture.
- The visit underscored the historic link between the institution and the Ilorin Emirate.
Chief Imam of Ilorin Visits Markaz Agege
The Arabic and Islamic Training Centre, Markaz Agege, Lagos, came alive on Monday when the Grand Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, arrived for a significant visit. He was accompanied by the Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Sheikh Dr Yusuf Mujitaba Bature, and the Mogaji of the Imam Fulani family.
Students and staff received the Chief Imam with excitement. Mudeer Shaykh Habeebullahi Al-Ilory welcomed him during the weekly Monday Halqoh, the institute's regular preaching session. The Chief Imam later led the afternoon Zhuri prayer.
A Legacy Bonded With Ilorin
Markaz was founded by Maolana Shaykh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, an indigene of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State, who is reputed to have revolutionised Islamic preaching across Nigeria. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a growing institution. Since Shaykh Habeebullahi took leadership, Markaz has continued to expand in Islamic teachings, moulding generations of scholars and instilling timeless values in younger students.
Welcoming the Chief Imam, the Mudeer said the visit reflected the deep bond between Markaz and the Ilorin Emirate community. 'Once you are in Markaz, you are in Ilorin,' he declared. He added humorously that a student who came from outside Ilorin would soon start speaking like an Ilorin indigene.
Preserving the Founder's Vision
Shaykh Habeebullahi spoke about his duty to preserve the vision and tradition of the founder. 'Since I became the Mudeer of Markaz, I have not deviated from the path of our father,' he said. 'I have built on the legacy of our father.'
He also stressed respect for the office of the Imam, describing it as a position of great responsibility and leadership in the Muslim community.
Gratitude From the Chief Imam
In his response, the Chief Imam thanked the Markaz community and said he had long desired to visit since his appointment and turbaning as the 13th Chief Imam of Ilorin. He praised the Mudeer for staying faithful to the founder's legacy and for building Markaz into a globally recognised centre of Arabic and Islamic learning.
The Chief Imam prayed for long life and sound health for the Mudeer as he continues his work.
Why This Matters
The visit links two centres of Islamic scholarship in Nigeria and confirms that the legacy of Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory remains strong under his son's leadership. It also demonstrates the unity and mutual respect between Islamic scholars in Lagos and Ilorin.