Obasa Ties Governance to Spiritual Accountability Ahead of Ramadan

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Sunday called for governance anchored in spiritual accountability as Muslims prepare for Ramadan, urging leaders to align public service with faith, justice and compassion.

Obasa delivered the keynote address at the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture of the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA), held at the J.F. Ade Ajayi Main Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka. The lecture, themed “The Light Beyond: Guiding Our Souls to Paradise,” focused on spiritual preparation for Ramadan and the moral responsibilities of leadership.

Below is the full text of the address as delivered:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY RT. HON. (Dr.) MUDASHIRU OBASA, SPEAKER, LAGOS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, DURING THE 31st PRE-RAMADAN LECTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS MUSLIM ALUMNI (UMA), HELD ON SUNDAY, 15th FEBRUARY 2026, AT THE J.F. ADE AJAYI MAIN AUDITORIUM, UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, AKOKA

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

PROTOCOL

It is with profound gratitude to Almighty Allah that I stand before you today at the 31st Pre-Ramadan Lecture organised by the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni.

This gathering is not an academic exercise, but a spiritual preparation for Ramadan, a month of forgiveness and nearness to Allah, that calls us to reflection, renewal and recommitment to piety and righteousness.

More importantly, the theme, “The Light Beyond: Guiding Our Souls to Paradise,” reminds us that as leaders, parents and citizens, we are entrusted with the sacred duty not only to seek this light for ourselves, but also to guide others toward it.

The Holy Qur’an, Surah An-Nur, verse 35, tells us: “Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp…”

This divine light illuminates our path through life’s trials and toward the ultimate paradise – Jannah. Every step we take is either a step toward that eternal light or a step away from it. How then do we guide our souls toward Paradise?

Paradise is not a distant dream reserved for the hereafter; it begins in the here and now. It is cultivated through intentional actions, steadfast faith and commitment to righteousness. We must ask ourselves: Are our actions today guiding our souls toward Paradise and the pleasure of Allah?

As Muslims, our faith calls us to be custodians of justice, peace and good governance. We cannot separate our spiritual obligations from our civic responsibilities.

In governance, we must uphold transparency, fairness and service to humanity. In our communities and families, we must be agents of compassion — supporting the weak, feeding the hungry and uplifting the oppressed. If we uphold these values, there will be peace, prosperity and progress in our society.

Surah Al-Fajr (89:27-30) reminds us: “O reassured soul, Return to your Lord, well pleased and pleasing to Him.

Enter among My servants, And enter My Paradise.”

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” This is the light we must carry into our homes, workplaces and nation.

In my years of public service, I have witnessed how the pursuit of worldly power can dim this inner light. Yet, I have also seen the transformative power of faith and good deeds restore it.

Guiding our souls to Paradise requires nurturing faith daily. Prayer, the five pillars of Islam and remembrance of Allah (dhikr) are lifelines that connect us to the Divine.

But faith must be paired with righteous deeds. The Prophet taught that “The best of you are those who are best to their families,” and this extends to society at large. In politics, this translates to transparent governance and policies that uplift the vulnerable.

As Speaker for nearly 11 years, I have championed initiatives promoting religious harmony, including interfaith dialogue and support for mosques and churches. Lagos remains a melting pot of cultures and beliefs, and we must continue to foster unity in diversity.

The Lagos State House of Assembly’s work in education reform, healthcare improvement and poverty alleviation are not merely legislative acts; they are steps toward Paradise. As Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 8, states:

“O you who have believed, stand firm for Allah as witnesses in justice…”

I urge leaders, scholars, alumni and students to let this lecture inspire us to strengthen our faith and commitment to Allah; to build institutions that reflect justice and compassion; to support initiatives such as the Qur’an Challenge, medical outreach and Ramadan palliatives; and to work together for a Lagos — and a Nigeria — defined by peace and righteousness.

As we prepare for Ramadan, let us carry the light of faith into every aspect of our lives. Governance, scholarship and community service are acts of worship when done sincerely for the sake of Allah.

The Prophet said: “Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your preoccupation, and your life before your death.”

May Almighty Allah guide our souls to Paradise, bless our nation with peace and progress, and accept our efforts in His cause.

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly

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