- The event was organised to celebrate Professor Is’haq Oloyede at the University of Ilorin on Thursday
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on Nigerians to pray for their leaders, even in difficult times, rather than cursing or condemning them.
He made this appeal during a public lecture and book presentation held in honour of Professor Is’haq Oloyede at the University of Ilorin on Thursday.
The event was organised to celebrate Oloyede, who turned 70 and retired from the University of Ilorin, although he continues to serve as the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Two books were launched in his honour: “Islamics, Scholarship and Service to Society: A Festschrift for Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede” and “Glimpses into the Giant: A Tapestry of Tributes to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede at 70.”
During his address, the Sultan encouraged Nigerians to offer prayers for their leaders, regardless of the situation. “Don’t curse your leaders, no matter how bad they may be, but pray for them. If you pray for them, God can make them change for the better,” he said.
The Sultan also announced the conferment of a new title, Kuliya of Sokoto, on Oloyede, expressing his admiration for the professor’s contributions to society. Reflecting on his visits to Ilorin, the Sultan said, “Whenever I come to Ilorin, I always feel so happy. I first came here in 1984 as an Army Captain.”
He concluded by praising Oloyede’s life and service, saying, “Though he’s retiring from the university, he will continue to be useful to Nigeria and humanity.”