Despite the growing presence of legal professionals and educators, Islamic knowledge remains a fundamental aspect of the Ilorin Emirate’s identity. It serves as the unmatched symbol that continues to uphold and enhance the city’s standing. Across all regions, Ilorin is most widely recognized for its deep-rooted connection to Islamic ideology.
The city is blessed with thousands of Islamic scholars—prolific writers, captivating preachers, orators, and jurists among others. Ilorin remains central in Islamic discourse. Though I never had the opportunity to know Sheik Alimi bn Janta and his disciples, I had the privilege of witnessing the leadership of Sheik Adam Al-Ilory, Sheik Kamaldeen, Sheik Abdullah Salaty, Baba L’Agbaji, and other distinguished scholars from the city. These remarkable figures, now of blessed memory, mentored thousands of scholars, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. They instilled wisdom, moral integrity, and commendable values in their followers.
This rich heritage continues to distinguish Ilorin from other cities, as it consistently produces scholars well-versed in Sharia, Sufism, and Islamic jurisprudence.
One of the prominent contemporary scholars is Sheik Abubakar Olayinka Otte Salaty, a preacher, teacher, and poet. In his late 40s, Otte gained significant recognition in Nigeria through his sermons, humility, and outreach. He began his public engagements as a young reciter under his late teacher, Sheik Yahaya Solatty – Amir Jeish, and is known for his unique and appealing voice.
Sheik Otte’s patriotism and love for the Ilorin Emirate is the basis for this piece. This week, he will be hosting an array of personalities from various sectors—religious, business, professional, and political.
The multibillion-naira project, named Saiiful Qadiriyah Baba Otte Mosque, is set for commissioning, with events scheduled for Thursday 12th and Friday 13th of this month. Located in the Malete community, the project includes a mosque, an orphanage home, and a Quran memorization center.
What makes this project specially remarkable is Sheik Baba Otte’s commitment to offering free programs for students, meaning he will personally cover the operational costs. This contribution adds to the historical significance of the Ilorin Emirate and will become another tourist attraction in the city. It is commendable that Sheik Otte chose to establish this project in Ilorin, despite having the resources to place it in Lagos or Abuja, where he is also influential.
It is heartening to learn that the Emir of Ilorin, Mai Martaba Alh. Ibraheem Sulu-Gambari, is scheduled to visit on Wednesday to offer his royal blessings and recognize the project as another distinctive feature of the city. In recent times, the site has become a mini Mecca, attracting dignitaries from across the country who have praised Sheik Otte’s remarkable effort.
Moving forward, it is essential to support Sheik Otte, particularly in maintaining the orphanage. It would be fitting for the city’s privileged individuals to extend their support for this noble project, ensuring that the students who will benefit from it have all the resources they need.
Saliu Bolakale Barkindo writes from Ilorin.
