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Iwo Agog, as Veteran Journalist, Liad Tella, Others Bag Islamic Tittles

Razaq Bamidele

Saturday October 12, will remain ever green in the memory of the people of the ancient city of Iwo and its environs in Osun State. It was the day the veteran journalist, astute administrator, respected public servant and humble politician, Alhaji Abdul Liad Tella bagged an Islamic title.

The amiable former Commissioner with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), was turbaned as the ever first Asiwaju Musulumi of the entire Iwoland, thereby making him the foremost leader of the Muslim Community in the land.

Other three sons and daughter of the town, who were also honoured with carious Islamic titles were, Alhaji Khalid Gbadebo Badrudeen (Mayegun Musulumi) Barr. Abdulwaheed Olajire Ayinla (Aare Musulumi) and the only woman among the awardees, Alhaja Samirat Abidemi Oriolowo (Iya Suna) all of Iwoland in Osun State of Nigeria.

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As early as 8 am that sunny morning, well-wishers from across the globe have started thronging the expansive palace of Paramount ruler of Iwoland, Oba (Dr) AbdurRasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu 1, for the colourful ceremony.

Among the early arrival at the event is Asiwaju Tella himself accompanied by his beautiful lawyer wife, Funke Omokehinde Tella. The couple were received with standing ovation by the ecstatic audience that surged forward to catch the glimpse of the two celebrities.

Others were the Chief Imam of Iwoland, Alhaji Abdulfatahi Olododo, who supervised the turbaning rites with support of members of League if Imam and Alfas in the south-west, Edo and Delta States, Provost of the famous Arabic and Islamic Centr (Morcas), Sheikh Habeeb Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Oloyede, Chief Imam, University of Ibadan Muslim Community, Professor Abdur-Rahman Oloyede, former Deputy National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, CEO, Sharaftel Companies, Alhaji Sharafadeen Yinka Tella and wife, Omobolanle who was all over the place to make sure that all her father in-law’s guest  were very comfortable.

Former Osun State Governor and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Abdul-Kareem Adebisi Akande was represented at the Occasion by his former Media aide, South-West spokesman of the APC, My Ayo Afolabi. The Editor, The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper, Alhaji Abdulfatah Oladeinde was also at the event.

The venue became electrified with the arrival of the State Governor, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola who was well received by Oba Abdur Rasheed and other dignitaries like former Ambassador to Ghana, Senator Musliu Obanikoro who represented the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of the event.

The highlight of the event was the turbaning proper after which Tella, on behalf of the other awardees thanked the monarch, the people of Iwoland and the League of Imams and Alfas for considering them for the exalted tittles.

He therefore promised that, “In sha Allah, we will not disappoint you, we will not let you down and we will serve as your good Ambassadors,” adding, “this is a challenge and clarion call to do more and we will surely do more by the grace of God.”

Tella, who was once a Manager at the defunct Concord Newspaper and later Managing Director, The Monitor Newspaper, Ibadan was also at the former Chairman, Osun State Pilgrim Welfare Board (Muslim Wing).

His eyes for details, love for service delivery, dogged lover of peace, meritorious services in whatever capacity he finds himself, must have, no doubt convinced the monarch and the entire Muslim community that Alhaji Tella’s head merits the chieftaincy cap.

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At the reception held at the Riverside Hotel in the town where an ace Islamic musician was at the band stand, the famous ‘Tella Boyz’ were at their best as they showered endless encomium on their benefactor, who they severally referred to as, Father, mentor, role model, confidant rescuer among other names.

The ‘Tella Boyz’ who later presented a gigantic Birthday Card to their father, was the former Media Adviser to the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Semiu Okanlawon, former Adviser to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Alhaji Mojeed Jamiu, Deputy Director, Voice of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Warith Solanke, former Assistant Editor, Sunday Sun and now on the Politics Desk of The Nigerian Xpress newspaper, Alhaji Abdur-Razaq Olatunji Bamidele, former Head, Judiciary Desk of The Sun Newspaper, Alhaji Akeeb Daud Alarape and Adam Adedimeji, immediate past General Secretary, NBA’s Lawyers in the Media Forum. He works with National Assembly Service Commission as Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to Senator Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo Barrister Adam Adedimeji among others.

 

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