Nigerian Leaders have been cautioned to eschew bad virtues and inculcate ideals that will make them contribute meaningfully to the development of the country in and outside the seat of power.
An Islamic scholar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede gave the charge at a Ramadan Lecture organized by En-Route Rauf Team on the topic; Leadership and Followership In Nigeria: The Islamic Perspective to celebrate the 62nd Birthday of the Former Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The scholar who noted the sterling attributes of a good leader in Patience, Fear of God, Having the ability to manage unexpected situations among others also stressed the need for them to understand vividly the principle of expiration which denotes that there is time for a government to begin and end so as to impact positively in the lives of people during the limited time in office.
Prof Oloyede who is the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB pointed out inhibitions to good governance from the followers taken from Quran 4v159 said Islamic teachings denote that only Realists who critique and commend government over their action and inactions are the best followers a society can have.
He said “Since 1960, we have had Jackals- who do everything to destabilize the society, Clueless Leaders who bring in changes to disturb the societal progress, Philosopher Kings-who know what to do but do not recourse to God while the fourth category are the True Leaders who have the Fear of God in their dealings.”
“As leaders, you should be very careful. You will have Psycophats, Opportunists, Spectators and Conspirators around you. They are there to mislead you, you should be very careful and be dutiful enough not to identify them and deal with them properly.”
“The principles of a good leader in Patience, Preparedness, Punishing the bad eggs and crediting the resolute and the good leaders and have the Fear of God. These are what would make you be sincere and ready to face your creator in the hearafter,” Oloyede stressed.
In his second lecture which bothered on the Virtues of Itiikaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan, Sheik Yusuf Babatunde Ayeniromo urged Muslims to be calm and remain pious.
He emphasized the importance of doing good deeds and ensuring that they avoid all acts that can invalidate their Ramadan fast.
The third lecturer, the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheik Muydeen Salman advised Muslims and Nigerians to shun acts of partiality, non-obedience to Allah’s instructions.
In his remarks, the former Governor of the state of Osun and the celebrant, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola appreciated the people for their support and love.
He urged them to continue to support the present administration in the state of Osun to ensure the continuity of the enduring legacies his administration has laid.
At the event were scholars, members of En-Route Rauf team, politicians, traditional rulers including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Osun Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict Alabi among others.
