Islamic clerics eulogise Somolu council chief Ashimi, predecessor

…pray for Ashimi’s successful tenure

Muslim clerics and Islamic scholars from the Somolu and Bariga communities have showered encomiums on the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, and his predecessor, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu “Dullar,” for what they described as the continued transformation of the community.

The commendation came on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, during a Ramadan iftar gathering held at the new Somolu Local Government Secretariat complex located at Bajulaiye. The event brought together prominent Islamic clerics, community leaders, political stakeholders and residents who converged to observe the spiritual gathering and offer prayers for the leadership of the council.

Leading the delegation of Islamic leaders was the Grand Chief Imam of Somolu Central Mosque, Sheikh Bilyamin Olanrewaju Dabiri, who commended the administration of Hon. Ashimi for sustaining the development strides initiated by his predecessor.

The gathering featured revered Islamic scholars and top political stalwarts who used the occasion to reflect on governance, leadership continuity and the importance of unity and peace within the community.

Delivering the Ramadan lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Alhaji Abiola Bashir, praised the former council chairman, Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu “Dullar,” for what he described as a wise decision in handing over leadership to a capable successor.

According to him, the choice of Hon. Ashimi has ensured that development and good governance in Somolu remain uninterrupted.

In his words, “We commend Hon. AbdulHamed Salawu ‘Dullar’ for choosing an intelligent and trusted hand in Hon. Lateef Ashimi as his successor. There seems to be no difference between the two of them except for the names and individuality. The good works continue.”

He added that the clerics and residents of the community were pleased with the level of infrastructural development and improved social amenities witnessed in the council area in recent years.

“We made no mistake in following the right direction. We took the right decision, and it paid off. We praise Allah for His mercy and wisdom,” Sheikh Bashir said.

The Islamic scholar further highlighted the transformation of the Somolu community, noting that improved road networks, modern street lighting and other infrastructural developments have significantly enhanced the living standards of residents.

“We now have what can be described as a ‘Little London.’ The good roads, street lights and other social amenities across the community are indeed commendable,” he stated.

Clerics at the gathering also offered special prayers for the continued success of the Ashimi-led administration, asking Allah to grant the council chairman wisdom, strength and guidance to steer the affairs of the local government effectively.

They equally prayed for sustained peace, unity and prosperity in Somolu and Bariga communities, while urging residents to continue supporting the leadership for the overall development of the area.

The Ramadan iftar gathering concluded with collective prayers and goodwill messages from the Islamic scholars, who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting moral values, peace and community development across the council area.