By Mumini Abdulkareem
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salihu on Saturday gave out two of his daughters in marriage.
The brides Hajarat and Hawau were married to Murtador Ajetunmobi and Muhammed Jibril Zakariyah receptively.
The Nikkah ceremony which took place at the Sani Okin residence of the Chief Imam attracted dignitaries from all walks of life and was coordinated by the Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abdulhamid.
In his sermon, the Grand Mukadam of Ilorin, Suleiman Dan Borno advised the brides to shun acts that may question the moral and spiritual position of their father in their matrimonial homes adding that they should imbibe virtues of patience and perseverance in all circumstances.
‘Shun acts capable of tarnishing the good words and legacies of your father who is a highly respected religious and traditional figure in Ilorin Emirate, the state and nation at large. You must exercise extreme patience in your matrimonial homes to attract Allah’s blessing, he noted.
He however implored the grooms not to maltreat their spouses but rather befriend them and treat them with respect and honour as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In his remarks, the Chief Imam who was clad in cream coloured brocade with lemon embroidery and cap to match without the usual traditional attire and paraphernalia of his office said he was very happy and elated to have been alive and healthy to witness the event of another wedding of his daughters.
He thanked all those who graced the event from far and near and prayed Almighty Allah to return them safely to their various destinations. He advised the couples to always be good to people irrespective of whether they are relatives or not.
The former Speaker, Ali Ahmad who said he came purposely from Abuja for the event described the Chief Imam as ‘our father’ and prayed Almighty Allah to bless the marriage just like the previous ones he had done.
One of the brides, Hawau Imam Bashir in her response described the day as “my day”, adding that she had looked forward to the event with bated breath.
“I thank Almighty Allah that this day has finally come and God did not disappoint us in terms of our expectations. I really appreciate those who Allah used to make this day a reality and I pray He will continue to bless them abundantly.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included former Grand Kadis, Idris Haroon and Abdulmutalib Ambali, both retired, Imam Yusuf Murtador, Prof Lanre Badmas, DG Mandate ABS Office, Musa Abdullahi, who represented former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Kwara PDP chairman, Engr. Kola Shittu, former Commissioner for Health, Suleiman Atolagbe Alege, former IEDPU presidents, Abdulhamid Hadi and Ambassador AbdulAziz, MD/Editor-in-Chief, National Pilot newspapers, Alhaji Billy Adedamola and former Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe.
The list also include the Serikin Salama, Alhaji Ayuba Gambari who stood in for the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, Makama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, Sheikh Sanu Shehu, Suleiman Yusuf Maja, Alhaji Abdulraheem Olesin, Ahmed Dembo, Hassan Gegele, and Justice Abdulkadir Ola, Grand Kadi, Sharia Court Appeal, the Baloguns and other representatives of religious and traditional institutions within and outside the state.
