Member representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Adebayo Adepoju, on Friday, March 13, 2026, hosted the third edition of Ibarapakan Ramadan Lecture and Iftar, a spiritually uplifting and widely attended gathering aimed at promoting the values of Islam while offering prayers for peace, unity and sustainable development in Ibarapa Land.
The programme, which started with Jumat prayers at Ayete Central Mosque, drew a distinguished assembly of political leaders, political followers, religious figures and community stakeholders from across the local, state and federal levels.
Addressing the large congregation after Jumat prayers at Ayete, the Chairman of the occasion and member representing Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrulahi Olajide (Odidiomo), expressed his gratitude to God for blessing the people of Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North with what he described as a visionary and compassionate representative in Hon. Adebayo Adepoju.
Odidiomo noted that it is uncommon to see a Christian leader so deeply involved in Islamic activities and community engagements even before assuming office, describing Adepoju as a bridge builder who embodies religious tolerance and inclusive leadership.
Speaking candidly before the Muslim faithful, the lawmaker said he stood before the same congregation to seek their prayers and spiritual support for his political journey, expressing confidence that with divine guidance and the backing of the people, he hopes to succeed his principal, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde, when his tenure successfully expires on May 29, 2027.
In a remarkable show of generosity, the governorship hopeful announced a donation of five million naira (N5,000,000) towards the development of Ayete Central Mosque and assured the congregation of his continued support.
Following the Jumat service, the entourage of Ibarapakan and Odidiomo proceeded to Igbo-Ora, the headquarters of Ibarapa Central Local Government Area, where the main Ramadan lecture and Iftar ceremony were held at Igbo-Ora Community Town Hall.
The expanded religious gathering attracted an impressive turnout, including traditional rulers from Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North, Chief Imams, Christian clerics, community leaders, party stakeholders and a mammoth of Muslim faithful and constituents from across the federal constituency.
Delivering the Ramadan lecture, the guest speaker, Alhaji Muizudeen Sulaimon Ololade, gave a thought-provoking discourse on the Islamic virtues of forgiveness and charity.
The cleric urged political leaders to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and generosity, noting that these virtues are consistently exemplified by Hon. Adepoju in his public conduct and community engagements.
He also reminded public office holders that leadership is ultimately a temporary trust bestowed by God and the people, urging them to try their best in their service to the people. He reminded them that no matter what they do while in office, immediately after they leave office, people will still ask, “What did he do while in office?, just as such a statement is now a street anthem for most of the former political officeholders.”
In his remarks, Hon. Olajide called on constituents to continue to support Hon. Adepoju’s representation, describing it as people-centred and development-driven. He noted that sustained support from the people to return elected in 2027 would enable the federal lawmaker to consolidate the developmental strides already recorded in the constituency.
The lawmaker also seized the opportunity to seek the prayers and support of the congregation for his political aspiration, expressing optimism that with the will of God and the backing of the people, his dream will be realised.
In his address, Hon. Adepoju expressed deep appreciation to the Muslim community and constituents who turned out in large numbers for the Ramadan lecture and Iftar.
The federal lawmaker noted that his constant prayer to God is for wisdom, humility and divine guidance in leadership, stressing that no human being is perfect.
“There is a popular saying that no man walks without his head shaking,” he said.
According to him, with wisdom and divine grace, leaders can overcome challenges and remain steadfast in their service to humanity.
Hon. Adepoju, while addressing the large gathering of people of faith, also drew a reflective lesson from the experience of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Agagu, as narrated in his memoir.
He recounted that while Agagu was in office, his birthdays were usually marked by a mammoth crowd of well-wishers who thronged his residence in celebration. However, less than two years after leaving office, the former governor reportedly celebrated his birthday with only his wife and one of his children present, as the once large crowd had disappeared.
The federal lawmaker urged political functionaries in attendance to reflect on the story to understand the fleeting nature of political power, noting that positions and influence are temporary.
He admonished the faithful to continue seeking Allah’s forgiveness and to remain steadfast in acts of charity, noting that charity and compassion remain among the most cherished acts before God Almighty.
Hon. Adepoju also offered prayers for lasting peace, unity and prosperity in Ibarapa Land, while praying that God grants public servants the wisdom to lead with justice, fairness and sincerity.
Immediately after the Ramadan lecture, Hon. Adepoju hosted Muslim faithful to Iftar, where all individuals and guests in attendance broke their fast together in an atmosphere of unity, gratitude and communal harmony.
Hassan Adesodi Olaoniye
Special Adviser to Hon. Adebayo Adepoju
(Media and Publicity)
March 14, 2026
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