Hijrah 1448: Over 50,000 Muslims Gather at Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s Ilaji Resort to Pray for Tinubu, Nigeria
Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, witnessed a massive turnout of more than 50,000 Muslim faithful, Islamic scholars, Chief Imams, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other distinguished personalities during the Hijrah 1448 AH celebration.
The historic event, hosted by the Okanlomo of Oodua and Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, was marked by an atmosphere of faith, unity, gratitude, and fervent prayers for Nigeria’s peace, progress, and prosperity.
The celebration was held under the spiritual leadership of the Grand Chief Imam of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, and President of the League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State, His Eminence Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere. Also in attendance were all Zonal Chief Imams across Oyo State, reflecting the unity and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah.
Delivering the keynote sermon, Sheikh Alawaye described Hijrah as a powerful symbol of sacrifice, perseverance, righteousness, unity, and unwavering faith in Almighty Allah. He urged Muslims to remain steadfast in promoting peace, justice, tolerance, and responsible citizenship while offering prayers for Nigeria’s continued stability, development, and prosperity.
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South Senatorial District; the Accord governorship candidate, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; Senator Yunus Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District; Hon. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ido/Ibarapa East Federal Constituency; Hon. Shina Alabi; Hon. Faruk Arisekola; Hon. Abdulganiy GRA; the Asiwaju Adini of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiullahi Oladejo Onimalu; the Turaki Adini of Oyo State, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem Mogaji Adanla, alongside numerous political office holders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders.
Major Islamic organisations, including the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), NASFAT, QUAREEB, and the League of Imams and Alfas of Oyo State, also participated in the celebration, further demonstrating the unity and collective spirit of the Muslim community.
Special prayers were offered for the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seeking divine wisdom, sound health, and success in steering the affairs of the nation. The congregation also prayed for lasting peace, improved security, economic prosperity, national development, and sustained progress in Oyo State.
What began as a solemn gathering for prayers, reflection, and thanksgiving later transformed into a colourful celebration of the Islamic New Year, as thousands of worshippers expressed gratitude to Allah through fellowship, cultural displays, and renewed hope for a brighter future.
The remarkable turnout underscored the strength, harmony, and peaceful coexistence of the Muslim Ummah while reaffirming Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading destinations for hosting religious, cultural, and national events.
As Muslims across the world mark the beginning of the New Islamic Year, participants prayed that Allah (SWT) would accept their supplications, bless Nigeria with enduring peace and prosperity, grant President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wisdom and divine guidance, and continue to uplift Oyo State with greater unity, security, and development.
The celebration ended with goodwill messages of Hijrah Mubarak 1448 AH, as participants prayed that the new Islamic year would usher in renewed hope, abundant blessings, lasting peace, and unity for the Muslim Ummah and humanity at large.