Renowned Nigerian scholar and advocate for Islamic rights, Prof. Lakin Akintola, received great acclaim as he presented prestigious awards to HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo Land, former Governor of Kaduna Nasir ElRufai, and various other distinguished individuals.

According to City Mirror News, the award ceremony took place at the Combo Hall of Lagos State Television and was attended by notable personalities from various sectors of Nigerian society.

Prof. Akintola, a distinguished expert in Islamic Eschatology, commemorated his retirement from a successful academic career by celebrating his 70th birthday.

The event featured the unveiling of his 429-page autobiography titled “My Jihad: The Autobiography of an Islamic Eschatologist and Human Rights Activist.”

During the occasion, Oluwo expressed gratitude for being honored with the “Defender Of The Faithful” award by the esteemed Islamic organization, Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC). He considered the recognition as a call to redouble efforts in promoting the unity of Olodumare (God). He also urged fellow monarchs, particularly those in Yorubaland, to be more dedicated to defending the divine institution they represent.

“I am deeply honored to receive the ‘Defender Of The Faithful’ award from the esteemed Islamic organization, MURIC. This recognition has presented a significant challenge for me to intensify efforts in propagating the unity of Olodumare (God),” Oluwo remarked.

“On behalf of the good people of Iwoland and my well-wishers, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to MURIC, particularly its founder, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, for deeming me worthy. I pray for a joyful retirement and many more prosperous years of positive accomplishments,” Oluwo added.

The event was chaired by the distinguished legal expert, Mallam Yusuf Ali, and featured a keynote address by Mallam Nasir ElRufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, who also received an award during the august gathering.

Professor Akintola began his tenure at LASU (Lagos State University) in 1984, just a year after the institution was established by the late former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as mentioned by Muhammad.

Starting as an Assistant Lecturer, the MURIC director steadily climbed the academic ranks to achieve the position of Full Professor. He delivered his inaugural lecture at LASU in 2018.

Distinguished personalities in attendance at the event included Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State; his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami.

Other notable figures present were HRM Oba Adesina Sulaimon Raji, the Oniba of Iba; Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, the Chief Imam of Lagos State; Prof. Wahab Egbewole, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin; Mallam Yusuf Ola-Olu Ali, SAN (as chairman); Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN); and Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, who hosted the event.