Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D at the Friday Weekly Preaching programme at Ansarul Islam School, Okekere, Ilorin during a Condolence Visit to the new Khalifatul Adabiy, Sheikh Mustopha Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby over the passing the immediate past Khalifatul Adabiy, Sheikh Abdulqadir Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby, Friday in Ilorin.
By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
In an age when prominence often distances individuals from their communities, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., has continued to demonstrate that true leadership is measured not only by public accomplishments but also by unwavering loyalty to one’s roots, culture, faith, and people.
For the Ilorin-born security expert, philanthropist, businessman, and political leader, recent activities in Ilorin Emirate offered a compelling portrait of a man whose influence at the national level has not diminished his commitment to the community that shaped him.
Widely known as the Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State and Nwanne Ukwu Di Na Mba of Amaba-Ukwu Item in Abia State, Dr. Ajia’s Friday homecoming was marked by engagements that reflected compassion, religious devotion, cultural consciousness, and a profound sense of responsibility to his people.
His visit coincided with Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations, during which he joined millions of Nigerians in reflecting on the nation’s democratic journey and the third anniversary of the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON.
In a statement personally signed and released to journalists, Ajia described June 12 as a historic symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, resilience, and collective aspiration for good governance.
He commended President Tinubu for demonstrating courage in implementing reforms aimed at repositioning the economy, improving infrastructure, attracting investments, and strengthening institutions of government. While acknowledging the administration’s efforts, he urged greater attention to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, emphasizing the need for enhanced security, increased youth participation in governance, and economic policies that empower local entrepreneurs, contractors, and investors.
Similarly, he congratulated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on achievements recorded in infrastructure, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, social investment programmes, and public sector reforms in Kwara State.
He, however, advocated greater emphasis on grassroots development, ward-level projects, indigenous businesses, and political inclusiveness to strengthen unity and sustainable development across the state.
Yet beyond politics and governance, Ajia’s activities in Ilorin revealed a deeper commitment, one rooted in the preservation of family values, religious heritage, and communal solidarity.
One of his first stops was the historic Oniye Compound in Eruda, Ilorin, where he paid a condolence visit to the Makama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, over the passing of his brother, the Mogaji and the Imam of Oniye Compound in Ilorin, Alhaji Salahudeen Saadudeen Oniye.
Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, Ph.D pays condolence visit to Makama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye over the passing of the Mogaji and Imam Oniye, Alhaji Salahudeen Saadudeen Oniye
There, he joined family members, associates, and sympathizers in mourning the deceased and offered prayers for Allah’s mercy upon the departed soul while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
His compassion extended further to the family of the late former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiy Ambali. During the visit, Ajia reflected on the strong personal relationship he shared with the renowned academic, describing him as a scholar of exceptional intellect, humility, and service.
Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia in a condolence visit to the family of late Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof Abdulganiy Ambali, in Ilorin.
He noted that Professor Ambali’s contributions to education, scholarship, and national development would continue to inspire generations. He prayed for the repose of the late scholar’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The Dan Amanan Fune Emirate also paid a condolence visit to the family house of the President of the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunma, following the recent demise of his father, Alhaji Mohammed Nuhu Alabi Popoola Jagunmo.
During the visit, Ajia offered prayers for the departed patriarch and encouraged members of the family to remain steadfast in faith while preserving the values and legacy left behind by their late father.
His deep attachment to the religious heritage of Ilorin was further demonstrated during his visit to Ansarul Islam School, Okekere, where he condoled with members of the Adabiyyah family over the passing of the Khalifatul Adabiyyah, Sheikh Muhammad Abdulqadir Kamaludeen Al-Adaby.
Ajia sympathized with the new Khalifatul Adabiyyah, Sheikh Mustopha Kamaludeen Al-Adaby and prayed for the continued growth and progress of the Adabiyyah movement.
Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D addressing congregation at the Friday Weekly Preaching programme at Ansarul Islam School, Okekere, Ilorin during a Condolence Visit to the new Khalifatul Adabiy, Sheikh Mustopha Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby over the passing the immediate past Khalifatul Adabiy, Sheikh Abdulqadir Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby, Friday in Ilorin.
He also offered special prayers for the founder of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria and Adabiyyah Arabic and Islamic schools, Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Habeebullahi Al-Adabiy, whose enduring legacy continues to shape Islamic education and scholarship across Nigeria. Ajia noted that Ansarul Islam Mosque located in Utako Abuja has continued to be the pride of every Ilorin man resident in Abuja.
Significantly, Ajia’s commitment to the spiritual development of the Ilorin Emirate was also evident in his support for the emergence of the new Chief Imam of Ilorin.
Earlier, through a statement signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, he had commended the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, for what he described as a wise, transparent, and exemplary decision in appointing Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani as the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate.
Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia, Ph.D in a handshake with the Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani, the new Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate during a courtesy visit at his house Ilorin on Friday.
According to Ajia, the Emir’s decision reflected a deep understanding of the religious, cultural, and spiritual aspirations of the people and further demonstrated his commitment to unity, merit, and the preservation of Ilorin’s rich Islamic tradition.
Rather than stopping at issuing a public statement, Ajia personally visited the newly appointed Chief Imam during his stay in Ilorin.
The visit served as an opportunity to formally congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki Imam Fulani and offer prayers for Allah’s guidance, wisdom, sound health, and strength as he assumes one of the most revered religious offices in the Emirate.
Ajia expressed confidence in the Chief Imam’s capacity to provide exemplary spiritual leadership, promote Islamic scholarship, strengthen moral values, and sustain the culture of peace and religious harmony for which Ilorin is renowned.
Observers viewed the visit as a reflection of Ajia’s profound respect for traditional and religious institutions and his belief that the progress of any society is anchored on strong moral and spiritual foundations.
Indeed, throughout his engagements in Ilorin, one recurring theme became unmistakably clear: his unwavering commitment to the people, values, and institutions of the Emirate.
Whether discussing national development, celebrating democratic milestones, supporting political leadership, consoling grieving families, honouring distinguished scholars, strengthening religious institutions, or identifying with community organisations, Ajia consistently demonstrated a deep sense of belonging and responsibility toward his ancestral home.
At every location he visited, prayers and goodwill followed. Community leaders, clerics, traditional title holders, youth leaders, and ordinary residents alike commended him for remaining connected to the values and traditions of Ilorin despite his growing national profile and extensive engagements across the country.
Many described him as an ambassador of the Emirate and a shining example of leadership anchored on humility, faith, service, and cultural pride.
For them, Ajia’s recent homecoming was more than a series of courtesy and condolence visits. It was a reaffirmation of identity, a celebration of heritage, and a practical demonstration that no matter how far one rises in life, one’s roots remain an enduring source of strength and purpose.
In a society where many become detached from their origins after attaining prominence, Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia continues to offer a different example—one of a leader who remains accessible to his people, committed to his faith, respectful of tradition, and devoted to the welfare of his community.
It is perhaps for this reason that wherever he went during his visit, prayers were offered on his behalf and words of appreciation freely expressed. The message was clear: the people saw not merely a successful businessman, political figure, or security expert, but a son of Ilorin who has remained faithful to the heritage, values, and cultural bonds that unite the Emirate.
And in that enduring connection between a man and his roots lies one of the most powerful stories of leadership, identity, and service in contemporary Ilorin.
