By IDRIS OLUKOYA

An Islamic group, Yorubaland Council for Islamic Preachers, has declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid and the Lagos governorship aspiration of Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

Alhaji Tawfik Akeugbagold, National Coordinator of the council, made the declaration during a ceremony to turban Dr Tajudeen Olusi as Baba Adinni of Yorubaland on Saturday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports Olusi is a member of Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision-making arm of All Progressives Congress(APC)in Lagos State.

Akeugbagold urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to conduct themselves peacefully during the forthcoming electoral process.

“Peaceful coexistence is the bedrock of success and societal development.

“I pray for peaceful coexistence among all tribes and religions in Nigeria for national development,” he said.

Akeugbagold urged Muslims who shared the council’s position to support Tinubu and Hamzat in the 2027 elections and called on religious and political leaders to promote issue-based engagement.

He stressed that religious differences should not be a source of division and that Muslims and Christians must continue to live together peacefully.

He prayed for the newly installed Baba Adinni, award recipients and members of the council.

“May the Islamic Council continue to soar higher and contribute positively to societal development,” he said.

Hamzat, Lagos deputy governor and APC governorship candidate, commended the council for honouring Olusi and congratulated him on the installation.

“I am happy that the council held this programme in Lagos to honour our father, Prince Tajudeen Olusi. I appreciate the honour done to him,” he said.

The deputy governor urged religious institutions and community leaders to promote unity, peace and responsible citizenship.

Speaking, Olusi thanked the council for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to promote peace, harmony and religious understanding across Yorubaland.

“I attended Islamic school and I remember majority of what our teachers taught me.

“You witnessed my recitation of the Qur’an which shows I studied Islam and understand the preaching very well,” he said.

He prayed for wisdom and guidance to discharge his responsibilities faithfully.

An Islamic cleric, Abdulmaliq Adebayo, popularly known as Baba Loworo, congratulated Olusi, described Olusi as a long-standing friend, and called for peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faiths.

Earlier, Mr Yusuf Araromi, an award recipient and board member representing Epe Division on the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed appreciation for the recognition and said Islam would continue to promote peace, unity and development. (NAN)