Encomium for Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo FCS

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam

The opulent ambiance of the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, underscored the significance the organizers placed on the thanksgiving event celebrating the 80th birthday of AlhajiRasaki Oladejo, a doyen of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. AlhajiOladejo also holds prominent positions as the Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs and President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN). It was evident that the organizers spared no expense for this special occasion.

The presence of a collection of the Ummah’s crème de la crème in the hall underscored the celebrant’s pedigree as a peace-builder, humanist, Islamic worker, icon of Islamic Dawah, and humility personified.

The event commenced with an opening prayer led by AlhajiAbdulfattah Abdulnajeed. This was followed by a moving reading from the Holy Quran by Senator Salisu Afolabi Shuaib, the distinguished senator representing Ogun State Central. Alhaji Muiz Banire, SAN, then warmly welcomed everyone present – family, friends, esteemed Islamic clerics, and associates of the Oladejo family. With flowery language and heartfelt encomiums, he highlighted the celebrant’s remarkable qualities: his quiet generosity towards Islamic projects, unwavering punctuality, tireless travels for Islamic causes, robust health, and a truly exemplary lifestyle.

The gathering featured various admonitions from Islamic clerics, urging Muslims to appreciate Almighty Allah for the myriadprivileges and graces bestowed upon them. A particular focus was the celebrant, who, at eighty years old, has remained free from significant health challenges and continues to wax stronger.  Imam Abdulmajeed Ayinla, Deputy Missioner of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria and Overseas, delivered a homily on the seven qualities of good living.

He concluded that, to the glory of Allah, these qualities have been bestowed upon Alhaji Oladejo. Dr. Adebayo Tajudeen Ph.D, Imam of FalomoPolice Central Mosque Ikoyi, Lagos, lectured on “The Parable of Privileges and Responsibilities in Islam,” connecting it to thecelebrant‘s lifestyle. He quoted from a Hadith of the Prophet, concluding that the celebrant is privileged to be among the beneficiaries of Allah’s graces, granted to whomever He pleases: “People are of four types: One who is granted ease in this world and ease in the Hereafter; one who is granted ease in this world but constrained in the Hereafter; one who is constrained in this world but granted ease in the Hereafter; and one who is miserable in both this world and the Hereafter.” (Hadith 2477.Dr. Tajudeen added, “Our leader that we are celebrating today, Alhaji Abdur-Rasaki Oladejo, is one of the few privileged servants of Allah to whom plenty has been given in this World. May he be among those that will be given plenty in the hereafter.“

The event’s chairman, Professor Is’haq Oloyede, who is the current Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, delivered a resounding tribute to the celebrant, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo. He lauded his fortitude, diligence, and wisdom in all Islamic positions entrusted to him by the Ummah. Professor Oloyede thanked Allah on AlhajiOladejo’s behalf for his spartan personality and for maintaining his significant relevance within the Deen, despite his advanced age.

A select group of individuals delivered encomiums highlighting his impeccable character, Dawah pedigree, hospitality, humility, honesty, diligence in duty, philosophical disposition, and unwavering belief in the oneness of Allah. Although the depth of his qualities offered much material, time did not permit for all to be shared.  Dr. Mumini Alao, PhD, President of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni initiated the series of tributes. He was successively followed by Alhaji AbdulwahidAyodeji AbdulRauf, President of Nasrul–Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT); Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Deputy President 1, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN); Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem, SAN, representing the President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria; and Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN, the Kuliya Ngeri of Ilorin Emirate.

Alhaji Oladejo expressed profound gratitude to the distinguished array of dignitaries in attendance. He leveraged the occasion to advocate for increased financial support for the Muslim Ummahof South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), emphasizing its critical role in propelling the organization to new heights. He then tendered a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Alhaja Chief Muslimah IyabosolaOladejo, acknowledging her selfless contributions and unwavering generosity toward various Islamic projects.

The event culminated in the presentation of gifts to the celebrant. Visible satisfaction was evident on the faces of the gathered family and friends, who clearly felt it was time well spent to honour and appreciate Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo FCS, a true sage, President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), peace-builder, humanist, Islamic workerand a man who combined faith with generosity.

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