Former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday hosted members of the Ilorin Emirate League of Imams, young Islamic scholars, and community stakeholders at his residence in Ilorin as part of his ongoing Ramadan Iftar engagements.
The gathering, according to his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, formed part of Saraki’s tradition of bringing together religious leaders and community representatives during Ramadan to promote unity, spiritual reflection, and closer engagement with people across Kwara State.
The Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulhameed Abdullahi, led the Maghrib prayer preceding the Iftar meal attended by religious leaders, opinion moulders, and other prominent members of the community.
Those present included members of the Ilorin Emirate League of Imams led by the Imam Imale, Imam Gambari, Ajanasi Agba of Ilorin, Imam Alaya, Sheikh Abdulrasaq Aduagba and others; selected Young Alfas in Ilorin under the leadership of their Chairman, Sheikh Abdullateef Al-Asady Erubu; as well as community stakeholders drawn from across the emirate.
In the spirit of Ramadan, special prayers were offered after the meal by the Imam Imale for Dr Bukola Saraki, the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki (Baba Oloye), the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Salihu, and Saraki’s father-in-law, Chief Otunba Adekunle Ojora.
In his remarks, the cleric eulogised the Saraki family for their longstanding commitment to community service, describing their contributions as instrumental to the growth and development of Kwara State and beyond.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Saraki described the gathering as deeply symbolic.
“With the passing of Imam Bashir, I thought Baba had gone. But the presence of the League of Imams, led by the Imam Imale here today, shows that Baba is still very much with us,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to guests for sustaining what he described as a tradition of communal fellowship during Ramadan.
“Our doors are open to all Kwarans. Just yesterday, our people from Kwara North — Kaiama, Baruten, Edu, and Patigi Local Government Areas — were here. For several days, we have continued to host our people from across the state for Iftar at my home in Ilorin. We are grateful to everyone who has come to share in what has become a tradition and a reflection of our love for the people,” Saraki added.
He noted that the Ramadan gatherings remain an opportunity to strengthen unity, encourage spiritual devotion, and reinforce longstanding bonds between leadership and the community.
