The League of Imams and Alfas in the South-West, Edo and Delta States has approved the appointment of an Ibadan-based businessman, Alhaji Dawud Akinola, as the new Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-land.

The League gave the approval on Monday during its meeting held at its secretariat in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Announcing the outcome of the meeting, Secretary-General of the League, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, said its decision on the new Islamic leader, as the body vested with the power to make such an appointment, was final.

Aladesawe, who doubles as the Chief Imam of Owo, in Ondo State, described Akinola as deserving of the honorary religious title and expressed confidence that his era would mark a renaissance for Muslims in Yoruba-land.

The cleric said a letter of appointment would be presented to Akinola in due course.

Kewulere urged the new Aare Musulumi to be mindful of the task before him and ensure the discharge of the duties of the office effectively.

In his acceptance speech, Akinola described the appointment as a call to service and expressed gratitude to the spiritual leaders for finding him worthy of the position.

“I never believed I could be chosen as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland as I felt I have not done enough to deserve this esteemed position.

“However, I believe I should not reject the call to serve Allah, as this is an avenue for me to improve my service to humanity and for further propagation of Islam.

“The late Aare Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao laid a high standard for this office. I, therefore, need the prayers of all to meet and surpass the standard.

“As I whole-heartedly accept this offer as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, I solicit your support and prayers at all times for me to record an enviable success in this responsibility.”

The title was last held by the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola-Alao, for 34 years before he died on June 18, 2014 at the age of 69. (NAN)

•Photo shows Late Ahj. Arisekola-Alao