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Oyoland Grand Chief Imam Celebrates Amubieya’s Decades of Islamic Scholarship

Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu and Renowned Islamic scholar, Shaykh Muhammadul Awwal Sulayman Amubieya

Oyoland Grand Chief Imam Celebrates Amubieya’s Decades of Islamic Scholarship

Celebrates decades of scholarship, Hadith teaching, Da‘wah in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Fodhilatu Shaykh Bilaal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has celebrated and honoured a renowned Islamic scholar, Shaykh Muhammadul Awwal Sulayman Amubieya, for his decades of commitment to Islamic scholarship, teaching, Hadith studies and propagation of the faith.

Amubieya, the Mudeer of Daarul Hadeeth, Ibadan, Oyo State, was honoured by the Office of the Grand Chief Imam on Friday, September 4, 2026, in recognition of his enduring contribution to Islamic education and the spiritual development of Muslims.

The ceremony was particularly significant because the Grand Chief Imam’s office stressed that it was a celebration of a living scholar, not a posthumous tribute.

The office stated emphatically that Shaykh Amubieya is alive and remains actively involved in the service of Islam, the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

According to the statement, the recognition was intended to appreciate the scholar’s contribution while he is still alive and able to witness the acknowledgement of his years of sacrifice and service to the Muslim Ummah.

A life devoted to knowledge

For years, Shaykh Amubieya has been associated with Islamic teaching and Da‘wah in Ibadan and other parts of South-West Nigeria.

As Mudeer of Daarul Hadeeth, he has been particularly identified with the teaching and study of Hadith and other branches of Islamic knowledge.

His lectures have covered a broad range of subjects, including Tawḥīd, Qur’an and Hadith, Islamic creed and methodology, family responsibilities, the duties of students of knowledge, morality, social issues and general Islamic guidance.

He has also featured in Jumu’ah sermons, Islamic conferences and question-and-answer sessions, using such platforms to educate Muslims and encourage adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah.

From Ibadan to Côte d’Ivoire

The scholar’s Da‘wah activities, according to the statement, have not been restricted to Nigeria.

His recorded lectures and participation in Islamic programmes have taken him to parts of Côte d’Ivoire, including Youpougon, Dimbokro, Yamoussoukro, Tiébissou, Divo and areas around Abidjan and Lakota.

His ability to communicate Islamic teachings in Yoruba has also made his preaching accessible to Yoruba-speaking Muslims both within Nigeria and in parts of neighbouring West African countries.

The Grand Chief Imam’s office said this aspect of Amubieya’s work demonstrated the importance of indigenous-language preaching in spreading Islamic knowledge and strengthening religious understanding.

Building the next generation of scholars

Beyond preaching to the general Muslim population, Shaykh Amubieya has also placed considerable emphasis on the training and responsibilities of students of Islamic knowledge.

At a programme themed “Reviving the Ummah,” he was among the principal lecturers and spoke on the roles and responsibilities of students of knowledge in society.

The Grand Chief Imam’s office said this reflected an important dimension of his scholarship—his belief that knowledge should translate into character, responsibility and service.

It said the true value of Islamic education was not merely in acquiring information but in producing Muslims who understood their obligations, demonstrated good character and positively impacted their communities.

A voice for Qur’an and Sunnah

Amubieya has also been associated with the Ahlus-Sunnah/Salafiyyah-oriented scholarly environment in South-West Nigeria.

His public teachings have consistently placed emphasis on Tawḥīd, Islamic creed, adherence to the Sunnah and the acquisition and proper application of Islamic knowledge.

His continued appearance at Ramadan programmes, lectures and other Islamic gatherings, the office said, showed that his scholarly journey remained active.

His archive of recorded lectures and teaching materials further provides a record of years of Islamic teaching and Da‘wah.

‘We celebrate him while he is alive’

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland, Shaykh Akeugberu, said the recognition was a demonstration of appreciation for the contributions of Islamic scholars before their passing.

He noted that scholars occupy a crucial position in Muslim society because they preserve religious knowledge, educate the younger generation and provide guidance to Muslims.

Through their teaching, preaching, counsel and scholarship, the Grand Chief Imam said, scholars help preserve the Islamic heritage and ensure its transmission to future generations.

The office therefore described the honour as a privilege and an opportunity to publicly appreciate Shaykh Amubieya for his years of service.

Prayers for more years of service

The Grand Chief Imam prayed for Allah’s continued protection, good health and strength for Shaykh Amubieya.

He also prayed for increased beneficial knowledge and wisdom, steadfastness upon the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah, blessings upon his family and students, and acceptance of his efforts in the service of Islam.

The prayer further sought long life upon righteousness and continued strength for the scholar to serve Islam and humanity.

The Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Oyoland described Shaykh Muhammadul Awwal Sulayman Amubieya as a living scholar whose contribution to Islamic education, Hadith studies, Yoruba-language Da‘wah and the training of students of knowledge had extended beyond Ibadan to other parts of Nigeria and West Africa.

The office concluded by congratulating the scholar and praying that Allah would grant him many more years of fruitful scholarship and service to the Muslim Ummah.

“Long life, good health and continued strength in the service of Islam to Shaykh Muhammadul Awwal Sulayman Amubieya,” the office prayed.