Thousands of residents and political stakeholders converged in Abeokuta on Thursday as The Believers Network, Abeokuta South Local Government Area, hosted its annual Ramadan lecture in honour of the member representing Imeko-Afon/Yewa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka.
The event, which held at Igbore in Abeokuta, attracted members and chieftains of the network from all wards in the local government area, as well as religious leaders and well-wishers from different parts of Ogun State.
Delivering a lecture titled “Islam, Politics and the Way Forward,” the guest speaker, Alhaji Kamilu Akano Raji, urged Muslims to remain united and actively participate in politics while upholding the fear of Allah in their conduct.
Raji, who was represented at the event by Alhaji Adewale Okunade, noted that the relationship between Islam and politics has remained a recurring subject of debate in many Muslim-majority and multi-religious societies across the world.
According to him, Islam historically has not been separated from issues of leadership and governance.
“From the early Islamic period, political authority was often intertwined with religious guidance, with leaders expected to uphold justice, fairness and accountability in line with Islamic teachings,” he said.
He explained that in contemporary times, discussions about religion and politics have become more complex due to modern democratic systems, pluralistic societies and constitutional governance.
The Islamic scholar stated that many Muslim scholars maintain that Islamic principles such as justice, consultation (Shura), transparency and the protection of human dignity remain relevant foundations for ethical leadership.
He further observed that Islam, like other religions, provides moral frameworks that can inspire responsible governance and strengthen democratic values.
“These frameworks emphasise integrity, social welfare, compassion for the vulnerable and the promotion of peace within society,” he added.
Raji, however, warned against the misuse of religion as a tool for political advantage.
According to him, the use of religious sentiments for political gain could deepen divisions, fuel intolerance and undermine democratic institutions.
He therefore called for responsible engagement between faith and governance, stressing that political actors must avoid manipulating religious identity for personal or partisan interests.
The cleric also urged believers to promote unity, dialogue and respect for diversity in order to sustain peaceful coexistence within Nigeria’s multi-religious society.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of The Believers Network, Abeokuta South, Alhaji Raji Togunwa, disclosed that the Ramadan lecture is the ninth edition since the group was established.
He described Hon. Adegboyega Nasir Isiaka as “an uncommon politician whose heart is full of compassion and love for the masses.”
Togunwa noted that the gathering reflected religious harmony, as participants from different faiths attended the event.
“This is a multi-cultural and multi-religious gathering which reflects the beauty of Islam. We have not only Muslims here, but people from different religious backgrounds, which underscores religious tolerance and the mood of the season,” he said.
He emphasised that Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace and called on Nigerians to look beyond religious differences in addressing the nation’s challenges.
According to him, Islam promotes peace, compassion and obedience to divine principles, noting that negative perceptions about the religion often stem from misinformation and the actions of a few individuals.
Togunwa also offered prayers for the continued success and political aspirations of Hon. Isiaka.
He called on residents of Ogun State to support the lawmaker’s vision and aspirations for greater development in the state and the country at large.
