70th Birthday: Okesuna Mosque Award Alhaji Latif Adebayo Aniyera, Wife | ClipTV Online

One of the oldest religious groups in Ikorodu has demonstrated the importance rewarding individuals for development and growth. To recognize his immense contribution to the growth of Islam in Ijede, the Okesuna Central Mosque, Ijede, Ikorodu has conferred the traditional Islamic title of Seriki Adini on Alhaji Latif Adebayo Aniyera. Acknowledging his longstanding contribution to Islam in Ijede community, the chief Imam noted that this is a deserving award.

The award ceremony, which also celebrate Alhaji Aniyera’s 70th birthday was witnessed by Obateru of Egbin Kingdom Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo. In attendance was also Islamic clerics, Okesuna mosque officials, and members of the Muslim community in Ijede.

In the same ceremony, the mosque also honoured Alhaji Aniyera’s wife, Alhaja Sikirat Aniyera, nee Oyebo, by bestowing on her the title of Iya Adini of Okesuna Mosque. This is in line with Islamic tradition that recognises the supportive role of spouses in religious service.

Highlighting the historical roles Aniyera family played in building the first Mosque in Okesuna, Ijede, the Grand Chief Imam, Alhaji Sulaiman Olatunji Akinjobi hailed the Aniyera family and their ancestors. He further stated that Oba Bello Aniyera, Alhaji Aniyera’s fore father, played a pivotal role in building the first mosque in Ijede. Additionally, he stated that at that time, it was almost impossible to erect the mosque. “When the Muslim community faced challenges in erecting a place of worship, Oba Aniyera facilitated the erection and grant optimum support.

The cleric further disclosed that Alhaji Aniyera had been recognised as Seriki Adini since 2011, following his return from the holy pilgrimage (Hajj), in acknowledgment of his consistent service to Islam and the Muslim community.

In his response, Alhaji Aniyera expressed profound gratitude to the clerics, mosque leadership, and worshippers, particularly appreciating the presence and support of the Okesuna Muslim women.

He used the occasion to stress the importance of education as a critical tool for community development in Ijede, noting that knowledge remains a foundation for both spiritual and societal growth.

To demonstrate his commitment, Alhaji Aniyera announced the establishment of an education endowment fund valued at ₦10 million. He further stated that the endorsement fund will be dedicated to supporting educational development within Okesuna Mosque. Additionally, that he had reached an understanding with members of his family to ensure the continuity of the fund even after his demise.

The ceremony was marked by prayers, goodwill messages, and celebrations in honour of the newly turbaned Seriki Adini and his wife.