The Pride of the Deen of Allah
The meeting was in Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia. It was on a sunny afternoon. The controller of The universe denied no one of His benevolence, Allah reminded us of His superiority and magnificent.
The Late Secretary General for the NSCIA, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Oladimeji Adegbite, led the family team which was made up of himself, his two daughters and my humble self, his wife.
We were on Hajj exercise, and the call came to him that the new Sultan was waiting to receive him at a certain hotel in Jeddah.
The late Dr. Lateef Adegbite actually knew his ways like he did the nooks and the crannies of Nigeria. This made it very easy to locate our waiting host.
The building that housed the hotel was an architectural brilliance. An edifice, befitted The royalty.
A gentle, humble and an innocent good looking man opened the door to one of the suites on the fifth floor.
The exchange of the best greetings on the surface of the Earth was perfectly expressed. All my anticipation, and all I wanted to see was the new appointed Sultan, who was then yet to be Coronated. Of course, my step daughters were also on this anticipatory mood. Though we're very tired because of the hot weather, but our solace was on royalty homage that we looked forward to paying. This we surely did, but with a shock.
The man with a gentle smile called out on late Adegbite, and immediately introduced himself as the Sultan.
The three of us went down on our kneels and the late Dr. Adegbite bow down in the presence of His Eminence. There and then, the cheerful servant of Allah threw the first joke on my husband, after he offered us seats. The Sultan seized the opportunity of the fact that we are amazed at his simple and humble disposition. He therefore homourously threw an eggword to my husband thus: "Dr. Adegbite .... Hmmm. . You worked with my father....... You worked with my Uncle.. Hmmm... ... You also worked with my late Uncle.... Hey. ..Hey... Hey... Baba'adinni. .." After we laughed our heart out, Dr. Abdul- Lateef Adegbite caught the eggword uncracked and replied His Eminence thus:
"Do not worry Your Eminence, I am much older than you and I'm very sure you will live longer to outlive me."
This joyful encounter beggeth the bond of divine family relationships, made it very conducive to work in togetherness for the diligent propagation of Islam by these two indefatigable leaders.
His Eminence did not only sprout into action by touring all the states in this country, Nigeria. He made his Allah given talents to bring the two religions together. Not only that, he worked on the time - table of his fathers and the elders he met in the office. He meticulously strive and introduced more unique substance and values towards the peaceful worship, co-existence, interaction into the development of the Deen of Allah's followers.
Since his ascension to the office, Muslims have been able to walk with their heads and shoulders high in easiness and voices confidently, anywhere across the country and beyond.
Sultan Sa'ad Abubakar III is not only humbly humane, but also very accessible. He leads with candor and respect. He never gives room to social opulence of the world. He is indeed a Pride of The Deen of Islam.
Typically, unlike some religious leaders, who allow frivolity to becloud their senses of leadership skills, and rule as an oppressor or worst still, tyrants over their subjects.
His Eminence operates an open door policy and gives a listening ear to anyone who approaches him for any assistance. So far you're a law abiding citizen. In addition, he's also kind, generous and available leader. He's in the vanguard of peace across the country. He believes in fair play and distaste an unlawful and egocentric character.
Little surprise therefore, that his Ummah love and accords him due respect. He follow and act in conjunction with the rules and regulations laid down by the Prophet Muhammed (Saw) to His Successors, the four Caliph in persons of:
Abubakar, Umar, Uthman And Alli. (May Allah be please with them).
Sultan Sa'ad is indeed truly sent by Allah and that is the reason the Muslims in the country have been giving each other the candid opportunity and support to know each other and jointly move the banner of the best religion of Allah, Al - Islam, to where it is truly ordained to be.
Your Eminence Sir, Someone asked me if I know you.
Yes I do... Because you're a Muslim. A just leader. A philanthropist. A man of honour and integrity. A nationalist. A selfless and God fearing man.
I also know you as a loving husband of a delectable Queen.
A good and responsible father off his beloved children.
Above all, a good family man who always care for the needs of his siblings, which I am proudly one of them.
I know you as a true messenger of Allah. Congratulations as you celebrate your 10th year anniversary on the throne of your fathers.
Long may you reign.