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What was a great thrill in those days was the dazzling spectacle of the two Ojikutu brothers on their way from Idumagbo Avenue, on Fridays to the Lagos Central Mosque for Jumat prayers. They were on horseback bedecked in shimmering robes and intimidating turbans. On their way back from the mosque, they would stop at the homes of their Christian friends just to wave their flywhisk or horsewhip as a gesture of goodwill and blessings from Allah – to be shared with all and sundry.
It was even grander if they were preparing to make their annual pilgrimage to Mecca or were returning from the Holy Land. We used to skip school just to follow their horses while we chanted: “Alhaji to re Mecca” (The pilgrim is on the way to or returning from Mecca).
As for the late Chief Imam, he took his duties and responsibilities very seriously. Behind his gentle mien and calm disposition was a man of muscular faith. His sermons were direct and fearless – always emphasising the path of truth and faithfulness while admonishing the idle, the corrupt, the wayward, the wicked and the selfish. The message he conveyed was always profoundly moving and cerebral. It cut across generations. One of his most memorable sermons was on the fear of doing the right thing. Another was on the subject of abuse of power (and arrogance of power) without the fear of God. According to him, impunity is the work of satan.
Regardless of his status and the powers vested in the late Chief Imam, he was very accessible to both the rich and the poor. I had cause to interact with him on numerous occasions particularly at the Dr. J.K. Randle Swimming Competition (the oldest sporting competition in Nigeria) which commenced in 1928. He not only presented trophies, certificates; and cash prizes to the winners (both children and adults), he donated a trophy.
Also, my beloved Auntie Esther (a christian at birth) donated her house at 14 AlhajiBashorun Street, Ikoyi to the Lagos Central Mosque. As the surviving executor of her will, I had to fight all the way to the Supreme Court in order to ensure that the property was properly transferred, against formidable opposition, to the mosque in accordance with her wishes which I considered sacred. It was the Chief Imam himself who received the property along with the unassailable title deeds on behalf of the Lagos Central Mosque.
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Indeed, it would only be appropriate to dedicate the property to the enduring love between christians and moslems in Lagos and name it the “Sheikh GarubaAkinolaIbrahim House”.
Unknown to many, the late Chief Imam played a quiet but crucial role in resolving many crises that could have degenerated into major conflagration between ethnic or religious groups with dire consequences for Lagos and Nigeria. There was a particular occasion when blood was being shed in Shagamu and subsequently at Idi Araba. It was the powerful intervention of christian and moslem religious leaders that doused the fire that was about to engulf Lagos State.
Till the very end, the late Chief Imam wielded enormous influence, but it was always for the common good – never for self-aggrandisement.
All the encomiums, eulogies and accolades showered on the late Sheik GarbaAkinola Ibrahim are truly well deserved. He was a man of exceptional integrity and impeccable pedigree. His father was Chief Imam. So also was his brother, whom he succeeded. Hence, it was no surprise that he was well prepared to take office as the ninth Chief Imam of Lagos State at the age of 63. He was an Islamic scholar and charismatic preacher. He attended the famous Morcas Arabic School from 1959 to 1961.
Unknown to many, the late Chief Imam was a formidable force in the financial sector. For thirty-two years, he was a public servant at Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) which is a subsidiary of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Regardless of the reputation of the sector in which he worked and the slew of scandals as well as cesspool of corruption that undermined the management of our nation’s resources, the integrity of AlhajiGarbaAkinola Ibrahim was never compromised. When he retired, his record was unblemished.
Following a conference hosted in Dallas, Texas, United States of America where Lagosians in America invited me as the Guest Speaker several years ago; I declined to participate in a proposed documentary on Lagos which would beam the searchlight on the slum areas of Lagos – particularly the area directly behind the Lagos Central Mosque. I am firmly convinced that such highly sensitive matters are better handled by gently prodding the government to pay attention and remedy matters in order to avoid a major social blight which could crystallise into a permanent underclass of those who are jobless and are prone to temptation to foment trouble. That is a subject for another day.
For now let us celebrate the exit of a titan. The choice of Tafawa Balewa Square (which used to be the Race Course) as the venue is very apt. In days of yore, the Race Course was where all lovers of horse racing both Christians and Muslims congregated on Saturday to enjoy the sport of kings. Alas, it is no more.
What an irony, that the 8th Day Fidau prayers for the late Chief Imam are being held on a public holiday to mark the 57thAnniversary of our nation’s Independence from the United Kingdom, on 1st October, 1960. That it rained fiercely in the morning only serves as a reminder that the same thing happened when the Nigerian flag was hoisted up to replace the British “Union Jack”.
On one thing we are all agreed is that Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim was a true minister of God. He has earned his place in the bosom of the Almighty.
J.K. Randle
