The arrival of a newborn son to Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem, MCIArb, MCIOB, MCABE, the Mogaji of Adanla family, has brought together prominent figures from Ibadan’s traditional institution, Islamic community, government and business sector, with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, represented by three of his sons at the ceremony.
The Tuesday event, held at Princess (Alhaja) Haolat Adanla’s Mosque within Adanla’s Palace, Chief Lateef Oyelade GRA, Ring Road, Ibadan, celebrated the naming of the Afia Group CEO’s newborn son, Mohammed Al-Nur Boladale Akano Karheem Adanla.
The ceremony attracted an impressive assembly of dignitaries, including Islamic scholars, traditional titleholders, government representatives, entrepreneurs and family associates, turning the religious occasion into a notable gathering of influential personalities.
Three Ladoja Princes Represent Olubadan
A major highlight of the gathering was the representation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland by his three sons: Prince Kunle Ladoja, Prince Shola Ladoja and Prince Korede Ladoja.
Their attendance brought the presence of Ibadan’s foremost traditional institution to the family celebration and underscored the significance of the occasion within the city’s traditional and social circles.
The Oyo State Government was also represented by Dr. AbdulRasheed Adewale, Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs to the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
His presence further strengthened the government’s representation at the ceremony, which brought together individuals from religious, traditional, public and private-sector institutions.
The naming ceremony was led by Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakri Agbotomokekere, the Grand Imam of Oyo State and Chief Imam of Ibadanland, who named the baby Mohammed Al-Nur Boladale Akano Karheem Adanla.
The child’s name honours Adanla’s late father, Alhaji Boladale Alade Adanla, giving the occasion an additional family significance.
The ceremony featured Quranic rites, prayers and Islamic sermons, popularly known as waasi, during which clerics prayed for the newborn’s good health, long life, wisdom, prosperity and success.
Among the Islamic scholars present was Sheikh Daud Odeshola Adanla, Chief Imam of Ijokodo Agbaje Community Central Mosque. Alhaji M. Odeshola, Chief Executive Officer of Allah’s Will Steel Company, also attended the gathering.
His gesture added a notable dimension of generosity to the occasion, demonstrating support for the Islamic clerics who gathered to offer prayers and spiritual guidance for the newborn and his family.
Leading Islamic Scholars, Public Figures Attend
The ceremony attracted several prominent Islamic scholars, including Prof. Kamil Koyejo Oloso; Sheikh Hashim AbdulWahab Olamide Atere, Chairman of the Muslim Wing of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, who delivered one of the sermons; and Alhaji (Dr.) Yunus Teliat Olushina (Ayilara II), the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland.
Popular Islamic scholar Alhaja Kafilat Rufai, widely known as Kaola, was also among the guests. She commended Adanla’s leadership style and commitment to Islamic values and community development, offering prayers for his continued blessings, longevity and sound health.
Other notable attendees included Mogaji Abass Oloko; Dr. Muyideen Babatunde, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board; Dr. Abdulazeez of Mecca Eye Clinic; and Mr. Wallace Zhang, representative of China’s Great Wall Motors.
Also present were Alhaja Mujidat Adenike Abiola, Adanla’s elder sister, alongside her friends, and Dr. Saheed Adetunbi Ige, as well as other family members, traditional titleholders, community leaders, business figures and associates.
Following the religious proceedings, guests moved to the reception venue within the palace premises, where they were treated to an impressive selection of food and drinks. The Khaerat Ifeanobi Band provided entertainment with melodious Islamic songs and spiritually uplifting music.
Beyond his position as head of Afia Group, Adanla occupies important traditional and religious roles that have strengthened his connections across different communities.
He is the Mogaji of the Adanla family, Turaki Adini of Oyo State, Wakil Faido Tijaniyyah of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, and Giwa Adini of Offa in Kwara State.
These positions reflect his involvement in traditional and religious institutions, while his business interests have also connected him with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
The breadth of his relationships was evident in the diversity of guests who attended the naming ceremony, ranging from Islamic leaders and traditional representatives to government officials and business executives.
Their coordinated appearance added warmth to the family gathering and offered a visible expression of togetherness during the celebration.
The ceremony also held personal significance for Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the newborn’s maternal grandfather, who led the naming rites.
The opportunity to witness his daughter celebrate another milestone in her marriage added an emotional dimension to the occasion, beyond its religious and social importance.
The family celebration came against the backdrop of reservations reportedly expressed in some quarters over his daughter’s decision to marry an older man. The arrival of the newborn provided another personal milestone for the family, with the joyful gathering reflecting the happiness surrounding the child’s arrival.
With prayers offered for the newborn’s future, the ceremony concluded as a celebration of new life, family continuity and the enduring relationships that connect Ibadan’s religious, traditional, political and business communities.
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