The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has charged Muslims particularly couples to show love among themselves, emphasizing the importance of love and harmony in Muslim marriages.
He added that marriage is built on trust and sincerity, citing Quran chapter 4, verse 19, which encourages Muslims to live with their spouses in love and kindness.
The Deputy Governor gave the admonition on Wednesday during a Ramadan lecture organized by the State House of Assembly.
He noted that men, as heads of households, have a duty to extend kindness to their spouses, emphasizing that domestic violence has no place in a loving home.
Lawal asserts that men must be able to show their wives enough love as there can be no love or kindness in a married home where domestic abuse occurs.
He emphasised the importance of coexisting peacefully and pointed out that males should not treat women as slaves, especially educated ones.
The Deputy Governor however commended the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Debo Ohundoyin, for their cooperation with the executive arm of government, promoting peace and harmony.
He said: “The executive arm of government appreciates the legislative arm of government. This is not about rubber-stamping, but understanding between the legislature and judiciary.
“We are glad that we are having a good cooperation and living together in peace and harmony.
“It is my prayer that this Ramadan will not be that last for everyone of us and I pray Allah accept it as act of Iba’dah.”
Earlier in his remarks, Sheikh Oyegoke Tirimisiyu, the guest lecturer, also emphasized the importance of faithfulness and love in Muslim marriages.
In her vote of thanks, Assembly Clark Mrs Taiwo A. Muraina Akinola called the Oyo Deputy Governor a true Muslim, stating that she had known him to be a devout Muslim and a humble man since she was hired into the Oyo state civil service when he was the attorney general.
The event was attended by Oyo government functionaries, including Deputy Speaker of Oyo Assembly, Muhammed Fadeyi Abiodun; members of House of Assembly, Chairman Civil Service Commission, Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; Chairman Assembly Commission, Hon. Femi Julius; Chairman Muslim Pilgrim Board, Sheikh Hashim Atere; workers and host of others.
Barr. Lawal, who equally attended the Ramadan lecture of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), held at the Olubadan palace, emphasized the importance of campaigning against the use of hard drugs.
Barr. Lawal, who was the chairman of the occasion, noted that intoxicants are harmful to health and that this campaign is not just the responsibility of the government, but also of parents and several individuals.
Lawal highlighted the proactive efforts of the Oyo state government in combating crime, including the establishment of a rule of law enforcement agency and an anti-land grabbing agency.
He stressed the need for Muslims to campaign against the use of hard drugs, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
As a Muslim leader, Lawal encouraged parents to ensure their children are well-trained and to prioritize their well-being.
He also expressed appreciation for the CCII’s efforts in organizing the Ramadan lecture, under the leadership of Ajeniyi Sulaiman Ajewole.
The event was attended by the Olubadan representative, Oba Sulaiman Abiodun Koladaisi, traditional leaders, chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Agbotomokekere; market leaders, and host of others.
