In a poignant display of devotion and community spirit, Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIARB, MCIOB, MCABE, CEO of Afia Group and the Mogaji of Adanla family, on Thursday, 5 March, 2026, hosted a distinguished gathering of top Islamic clerics and influential community leaders at the 2nd Ramadan Memorial Lecture for his late father, Alhaji Karheem Boladale Adanla.
The event, held at the Tafo Arena, Ijokodo Junction, Ibadan, not only honored the memory of a beloved patriarch but also underscored Adanla’s profound commitment to fostering Islamic growth and robust community building.
Attended by revered scholars, notable traditional rulers as well as top dignitaries, the lecture served as a platform for spiritual reflection and insightful discourse on contemporary Islamic issues.
Guest lecturers, including Sheikh Muhdeen Salman Hussain, Chief Imam of Offa Land; Dr. Toliat Yunus Ayilara, Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomoso; and Fadilat Sheikh Al-Imam Muhydeen Abdul-Kareem Onihantu, 1st Nakeeb-Wahizeen of Oyo State, lauded Adanla’s continuous efforts in upholding religious values and his dedication to societal betterment, echoing the virtues of his late father.
Aside from the insightful lectures, another highlight of the memorial was Adanla’s generous gesture to empower the next generation.
Demonstrating his unwavering belief in education and community upliftment, he provided cash gifts to 100 deserving students, reinforcing his vision for a brighter, more educated future within the community.
This act of philanthropy was met with immense appreciation, solidifying Adanla’s reputation as a leader deeply invested in both spiritual development and the practical empowerment of his people.
Adanla, who doubles as Turaki Adini of Oyo State; Giwa Adini of Offa (Kwara State); Wakil Faido Tijaniyyah of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, has demonstrated these qualities over the years.
Among the top dignitaries who graced the iconic memorial lecture included HRM Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the royal father of the day, ably represented by Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi, the Aare Alaasa Olubadan and Oloye Abiola Iyiola; HRM Oba Dr. Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, the Okere of Saki, and Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran Lagbami Osekun III, Onpetu of Ijeru Land, who were both special guests of honor of the occasion.
Also on ground to support the Adanlas as the spiritual father of the day was Sheikh Abdul-Ganiy Agbotomokekere, Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State.
Other dignitaries are Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Onifade; Alhaji Odesola; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Mogaji Ademola Elepo; Alhaja Muyibat Adebayo Shittu; Prof. Aderinoye; Chairman, Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji; Alhaji Tunde Tijani (Double T), the leader of Omituntun Dynasty; Hon. Abideen Adeaga; Chairman, Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Mudashir Kamorudeen; Chief Imam of Ijebu-Igbo, Sheik Muhammad Kazeem; Alhaja Adanla Abiola; Alhaji Sulaiman; Alhaji Abdufatai Ajayi Akeem; Alhaji Lukman Adanla; Imam Odobaale Nasiru Adekola; Chief Imam of Bembo; Imam Abdulwazil Onigbaaso; Baale Adanla; Alhaja Oluwakemi Adele; Dr. Uthman; Mogaji Basunnu; Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by their Chairman, Alhaji Wale Abdulganiy, and Tijaniyah Group.
The duo of Special Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Islamic Affairs, Alhaji AbdulRasheed Adewale, and a retired GM., Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Alhaji Kunle Junaid, coordinated the occasion as the masters of ceremony.
Chief Imam Olorun Ero was tasked with the responsibility of offering special Fidau prayer for both Alhaji Karheem Boladale Adanla and Princess (Alhaja) Aolat Apinke Karheem.
