Newly-installed Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams, on Friday had a special Jumat prayer and thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Festac Town Central Mosque, Lagos.
Adams, who arrived the mosque at about 1:40pm, with his wife, observed the special Jumat service with prominent Islamic scholars and faithful in the state.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Festac Central mosque, Sheik Sakariyah Adewale, said Islam is a religion of peace, adding that at the moment, Nigeria is in dire need of peace.
Describing Adams as a symbol of peace, Adewale urged him to continually preach and unity across the country.
He said: “You are a worthy son and blessing to Nigeria and the Yoruba race as a whole.
“We pray that Allah should continue to bless you with long life, so that you can fulfill all your dreams in life.
“As Muslims, we are happy to celebrate your new status with you.”
Sheik Adewale noted also that Adams usually worships in the mosque.
Expressing his appreciation, Adams said he has been worshipping at the mosque for over seven years, particularly during his birthday anniversaries.
He said the service is the first point of call on his thanksgiving programme, adding that he decided to observe the special Jumat service and thanksgiving mainly to express his appreciation to Allah for making his installation as the Aare Ona Kakanfo a success.
Adams said: “This is the first Friday since my installation as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
“I am a highly liberal person when it comes to the issue of religion and as a Yoruba man, I have to be liberal with the three prominent religions we practice in the country.
“Last Saturday, I played host to over 700,000 guests in Oyo, and the event was hitch- free, without complains or casualties, so there is need to thank Allah for the success recorded at the event.”
Adams said on Saturday, “we are going to observe our thanksgiving service with the traditionalist at the Ijo Orunmila Adulawo in Ebute Metta, Lagos” and on Sunday, “we shall also visit the Genesis Global Church, Alakuko, Lagos, to observe the thanksgiving service.”
Some of those that joined Adams at the Festac Central Mosque special prayer included Alhaji Abdul Fatai Arowolo, Alhaja I. Ilori and Alhaja F. Fowora.
Adams was installed as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland on January 13 by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, at an historic event held at the Durbar stadium, Oyo town, Oyo State.