VENO International :: news powered by truth

VENO TV: FEATURE OGOGO’S DEATH: ILARO CHIEF IMAM — AN EXEMPLARY LEADER
Date: 04-09-26

By Kayode Adoide

The death of veteran Nollywood actor Alhaji Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has continued to reveal touching stories about faith, trust, integrity and responsibility.

Among those attracting public admiration is the Chief Imam of Ilaro, whose handling of money reportedly entrusted to him by the late actor has become a lesson in honesty.

According to reports emerging after Ogogo’s death, the actor had sent ?25 million to the cleric while he was ill, with the intention of using the money for the renovation of his grandfather’s house.

Following Ogogo’s passing, the Chief Imam reportedly disclosed the existence and purpose of the money and subsequently handed it over to the late actor’s children and family.

That singular action speaks volumes.

There was no Ogogo physically present to demand accountability. The matter could easily have remained between the late actor, the Chief Imam and Allah. Yet, the cleric chose transparency and returned what did not belong to him.

What an exemplary religious leader!

At a time when materialism has weakened the conscience of many people, examples such as this remind society that integrity is still alive.

Money can buy comfort, but it cannot buy a clean conscience. Wealth may provide temporary pleasure, but a good name and the fear of God remain priceless.

The Chief Imam of Ilaro has demonstrated that religious leadership should not merely be about preaching from the pulpit. It should be reflected in character, honesty and accountability.

Admirers of the cleric have also recalled his service as Hajji Amiru, leading Ogun State Muslim pilgrims to the Holy Land, and have cited accounts of his financial accountability while carrying out that responsibility.

His conduct provides an opportunity for every one of us to examine ourselves.

If money belonging to another person was left in our custody and the owner suddenly died, what would we do?

Would we quietly keep it, believing nobody knew about it?

Or would the fear of God compel us to disclose it and return it to the rightful beneficiaries?

These are questions of conscience.

Religion is not merely about the title we bear, the clothes we wear or the number of people who listen to us. True religion must manifest in honesty, compassion, accountability and the fear of God.

The example attributed to the Chief Imam of Ilaro deserves recognition beyond the Muslim community. It is a lesson for Christians, Muslims, traditionalists and indeed every Nigerian.

He has shown through his conduct that integrity has no religion and honesty has no tribe.

At a time when some people are prepared to sacrifice their reputation for wealth, here is a religious leader who chose a good name above temporary material gain.

LET US CELEBRATE HIM.

Let us celebrate honesty.

Let us celebrate integrity.

Let us celebrate leaders who practise what they preach.

And above all, let each of us search our own conscience.

The Chief Imam of Ilaro has given society something more powerful than a sermon preached with words — a sermon demonstrated through action.

This is the hallmark of a true Ambassador of Islam.

LINKS

Phone

Email