Abeokuta North Local Government Chairman, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, has urged residents to take advantage of the last ten days of Ramadan to seek divine intervention for the development and prosperity of the local government.
Speaking at a special Iftar gathering held at Oba Odeleye Park , Ori-Omi Abeokuta on Friday, he emphasized that these final days of Ramadan hold immense spiritual significance, and prayers offered during this period are more likely to be answered.
“We must sustain this spiritual momentum for the remaining nine days, praying for God to shine the stars of Abeokuta North. We are the stars of the Egbas,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of unity among the major communities within the local government, including Oke-Ona, Gbagura, Owu, and Oke-Ogun.
Hon. Oyegbola Sodipo also stressed the need to take Iftar beyond the council secretariat in Akomoje, making it more accessible to the public. He noted that the event was designed not only for spiritual reflection but also to foster empowerment, justice, and fairness.
He revealed that all food items used for the Iftar were sourced from local vendors, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to community empowerment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the 2025 Ramadan Committee and Leader of the House, Abeokuta North Legislative Council, Hon. Moruf Erubami, commended the chairman for his dedication to the development of the local government.
“Our chairman is an exceptional leader. Whatever he sets out to do, he ensures it is accomplished. The dividends of democracy are returning to Abeokuta North under his leadership,” he stated.
While delivering his his lecture titled “Shariah: An Antidote to Polity Virus (Nigeria as a Case Study)” a renowned Islamic scholar, Fadilat Sheikh Muhamud Olajide Ahmad emphasized that true Shariah is built on justice, citing an example from the time of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), where a punishment was carried out regardless of social status.
“If we want to apply Sharia in politics, there must be justice,” he stated. He also advised leaders to seek counsel from advisers rather than ruling with absolute authority.
The cleric therefore commended the chairman’s efforts in improving the local government’s internally generated revenue (IGR) through digitalization and the rehabilitation of tractors for road grading.
Dignitaries present at the Tafsir included Vice Chairman Hon. Taiyelolu Egbeyemi, APC Chairman Abeokuta North Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde, Representative of the Olowu of Owu kingdom Oba Saka
Adelola Matemilola, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, Leader of the House Hon. Moruf Erubami, Secretary to the Local Government Alhaja Mutiat Agbaje, HOLGA Hajia Kikelomo Munirat, Ogun TUC Chairman, Comrade Akeem Lasisi
among others.