By Prof Abdulwahid Ajibola OMOLUABI

It is with hearts brimming with gratitude to Allah and a deep sense of appreciation for sincere, practical and pragmatic leadership that one pens down this rejoinder—to silence cynicism, correct misguided narratives, and extol the noble intention of a man whose compassion and spiritual foresight transcends the shallowness of men and partisanship of politics.

It’s none other than the strongman of Ogun politics, in person of Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI. In recent times, tongues have wagged and fingers have been pointed in criticism of YAYI’s monumental gesture of sponsoring one hundred and ninety (190) Muslim faithful for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The detractors dwell on surface sentiments and cynical assumptions, while those with spiritual insight recognize the gravity and eternal value of this noble act in the eyes of Allah. They are celebrating him. They are eulogizing him. They are praying for him.

This profoundly unique, highly beneficial and wholesomely commendable act is not only generous in material terms but is also spiritually profound. It reflects a sincere heart that seeks the pleasure of Allah and a soul that understands the importance of supporting religion and lifting the burdens of others.

At a time when many Nigerians are facing serious economic hardship, this initiative has restored hope, faith, and joy in the hearts of 190 Muslim families across the state and beyond.  A GENERATIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE AKHIRAH (HEREAFTER)In Islam, some deeds outlive the doer and continue to yield reward long after death. Sponsoring a pilgrim to the Hajj is one of such sacred deeds. But sponsoring one hundred and ninety pilgrims! That is beyond generosity—it is a legacy. A spiritual endowment.

A priceless sadaqah jāriyah (continuous charity—deeds with everlasting and eternal reward). By facilitating this sacred obligation of Hajj for 190 pilgrims, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI has invested in the eternal reward of the Hereafter.These 190 souls, clad in white garments of Ihrām (pilgrim’s attire), standing on the sacred plains of Mount ‘Arafah, circumambulating the Ka‘bah, supplicating under the burning sun and in the peaceful nights—are not just pilgrims; they are Divine envoys, they are noble Prayer warriors. Passionately, they carried the supplications of gratitude for the one who transformed their dreams into a sacred reality. And it’s on record that when one supplicates sincerely on behalf another person in absentia, Allah accepts and answers instantly.

The solemn prayers of these 190 pilgrims can be better imagined. Who knows whose voice among them will reach the Heavens? And whose forthrightness, piety and fear of Allah will be the keys to unlock Divine mercy for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, his family, our Gateway (Ogun) State, and indeed, the nation at large?

Little wonders that the mention of YAYI is on the lips of everyone, even outside the shores of Ogun State, including non-politicians directly and indirectly having affiliations with the Gateway State.A RARE POLITICIAN WHO INVESTS BEYOND POLITICSAlthough, the involvement of politicians and sponsorship of people and political stalwarts on Hajj pilgrimage is not new, but that of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola is unique.

The uniqueness is not only in the magnitude of the sponsored pilgrims, but also transcends beyond politics and politicking. It’s unlike what we have been seeing and used to as the norm in the past when every Tom, Dick and Harry without Islamic affiliations and even bereft of Islamic knowledge and understanding were sponsored as a form of political patronage.

We have heard of cases and instances of such political stalwarts constituting nuisance in the Holy lands through their misbehavior and misdemeanor. These stalwarts hardly take cognizance of their actions and inactions, as they are often unmindful of the great embarrassment being caused to our nation, because to them they are out on a mere political jamboree. Hajj is not just a journey, it is the fifth pillar of Islam, a life-transforming act of worship that many long for, but only a few can afford. YAYI’s 190-sponsored pilgrims are with a difference.

Let me shock you, most of these people might not be known to or have met Senator Adeola before, let alone being his erstwhile supporters- what a unique leadership style for the benefit of humanity! There’s even little or no influence by the financier, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on who and who makes the list of the Hujaaj (pilgrims).

The screening and selection of the 190 beneficiaries for this year’s hajj were left entirely in the hands of the Imams, Alfas and Ulama (Muslims leaders). This was to ensure that the religious activities were not in any way compromised, and I can boldly say without fear or favour that it was perfectly handled by trusted hands based on the ethics, ethos and tenets of Islam.

The Muslim leaders who facilitated the selection process for YAYI’s Hajj team are neither naïve nor new in the acts. They are tested and trusted, as they performed a similar feat for Senator Adeola during the 2024 Hajj exercises when he sponsored one hundred (100) pilgrims to the Holy lands of Makkah and Medina.

I am also privy to the fact that this year’s Hajj exercises by the 190 YAYI-sponsored pilgrims are well coordinated activities under the auspices and leadership of Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, the Chief Imam of Ilaro, who also doubles as the Secretary General, Ogun State League of Imams and Alfas. The pilgrims were meaningfully and well engaged in various acts of ibaadah (worship) to their delight and for the attainment of Allah’s pleasure throughout their stay in the Holy lands.

As these pilgrims return with glowing hearts and purified souls, their stories will echo with the name of the man who gave them a ladder to the House of Allah, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI.YAYI’s CHARITABLE ACTS DEVOID OF NOISESenator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI’s style of governance and dividends of democracy deliverables is unique, as it’s devoid of noise-making, for the doer is known to be a gentleman with humble personality.

This is not the first time the Distinguished Senator has shown concern for the welfare of his Muslim constituents and the Muslim community at large. It’s an established fact that Yayi and Benevolence are Siamese twins, as records have it that four brand new Hummer buses were recently donated by him to boost religious activities in Ogun State. Each of these buses was presented to the Grand Chief Imams of Egbaland; Ijebuland; Remolands and Yewaland respectively.

I learnt that similar gestures and acts of charity were extended by Senator Adeola to our Christian brethren as well. Senator Adeola’s gestures stands as a towering example of true servant-leadership. His action mirrors the words of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who said: “Whoever helps his brother in need, Allah will be there in his own time of need.” (Sahih Muslim, 2699).

One is deeply moved and spiritually inspired by his acts of kindness. In an era when many politicians seek applause from men, Senator Adeola has chosen to seek the pleasure of Allah. While some throw money at transient projects for show and public display, YAYI has sown his resources into souls, dreams, and du‘ā (prayer).

This is not just governance—it is statesmanship infused with sincerity. While others build only bridges for cars and automobiles, YAYI is not busy with physical and ephemeral roads construction only. He’s also eternally engaged building bridges to Jannah (Paradise). He has renewed faith, inspired hope, and reminded us that when politics is guided by piety, it becomes an act of worship.

On behalf of these fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, as well as their families, friends and loved ones, I humbly say to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI: May Allah accept your intentions, multiply your rewards, forgive your sins, and grant you barakah (blessings) in your life and leadership. May every du‘ā (prayer) made on your behalf by the 190 pilgrims ascend swiftly to the Heavens and be accepted by the Most Merciful.

May Allah protect your family, grant you divine wisdom, and surround your path with light and sincerity.TO THE DETRACTORS AND NAY SAYERS: PAUSE AND REFLECTTo the critics, we ask: What have you done for your people lately? It is easy to speak; it is harder to sacrifice. Talk is cheap, but spiritual investments like this come at a cost—paid only by those whose hearts beat for the people, humanity and for God.

Indeed, Allah knows those who do good.“And whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward.”— Holy Qur’an 73:20. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI is not just sponsoring Hajj—he is sponsoring hope, healing hearts, and harvesting prayers that money cannot buy.

May Allah increase him in goodness.COMMENDATIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND MUSLIM ORGANISATIONSIt becomes imperative on me to make mention of the fact that this unique, onerous, beneficial act of sponsoring 190 pilgrims by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has generated several appreciation, gratitude and commendation from individuals, corporate entities and Muslim organizations within and outside Ogun State.

One of such Muslim bodies is the Muslim Rights’ Concern (MURIC), Ogun State chapter whose leadership is full of praises for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, in addition to fervent prayers for his success in both worlds. Ogun MURIC seized the opportunity to call on Muslim public office holders, philanthropists and other leaders to emulate this rare example of faith in action.

In the opinion of Ogun State MURIC, leadership is not just about political power; it is about making impacts, touching lives and elevating souls. Indeed, history will remember Senator Adeola not just for the positions he held, but for the lives he transformed and the du‘ās (prayers) he inspired. May Allah accept this Hajj sponsorship as a sadaqah jāriyah (continuous charity) for Senator Adeola and his family. May Allah bless him with long life, good health, unwavering faith, and continued success in both worlds.

May his own prayers be answered swiftly. May Allah accept him in the rank of the Christians whom Allah described as friends of Muslims and grant him the full rewards such deserve, amīn. In conclusion, I also joined the pilgrims, their families, friends and all well-meaning people of Ogun State to say to YAYI once again: may your reward be as vast as the plains of Mount ‘Arafah and as radiant as the white garments of the Muslim pilgrims (Hujjāj). You have brought joy to the Muslim community, and Allah will surely multiply that joy for you.

(Prof Abdulwahid Ajibola-OMOLUABI writes from Modele’s compound, Ijaye-Kunmi, Abeokuta South Local Government, OGUN STATE.)

Prof Ajibola-OMOLUABI can be reached via ajibola66@gmail.com; omoluabi4yayi@gmail.com and +2348037803988.