Islamic Cleric Cautions Politicians Against Broken Promises At Maolud Lecture

Islamic cleric, Fadilat Sheikh Sahni Imayale, has cautioned politicians against breaking campaign promises, warning that leaders will account before Almighty Allah for agreements made while seeking or holding public office.

Imayale gave the warning while delivering a lecture titled “Adehun” (Promise) at the Hijrah 1448/2026 celebration organised by the League of Imams, Felele-Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan.

The lecture was held at the residence of Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja in Felele, Ibadan, where the cleric stressed that Allah disapproves of unfulfilled promises and urged leaders to honour their commitments.

“A promise made becomes a debt until it is fulfilled. If you fail to fulfil it, it becomes a heavy burden on the Day of Reckoning,” Imayale said.

He also cautioned politicians against taking their supporters for granted, urging them to reward and remain faithful to those who stood by them during difficult times.

The Chief Host and Baba Adinni of the Felele-Olorunsogo Molete Muslim Community, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, said the topic of the lecture was relevant to the current political situation in Oyo State, where, according to him, some political leaders had abandoned commitments made to allies, voters and the public.

Arapaja said some leaders claimed to value competence over loyalty when choosing successors, questioning whether there were no competent Muslims among those who supported them politically.

He alleged that a political agreement reached in the presence of Christian and Islamic leaders during the 2023 campaign was later breached when the leader concerned selected a Christian candidate as successor.

Arapaja also cited the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Lamidi Adedibu and Chief Lam Adesina, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as political figures he said understood the importance of loyalty and reciprocity.

He expressed appreciation to Islamic leaders for their support throughout his political journey and subsequently called for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Engr. Remi Oseni, Hon. Ibrahim Iyiola and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The event was attended by political and religious figures, including APC Oyo South Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Remi Abasi Oseni; APC candidate for Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Iyiola, popularly known as Dudu Alubarika; Alhaja Sarata Lam Adesina; Barrister Lowo Obisesan; Mogaji Abass Oloko; Hon. Mojeed Olaoya; Hon. Warith Adegoke Alawuje; Alhaji Saheed Abidoye Ila; Hon. Jimoh Fadipe; Hon. Kola Amoo; Alhaji Kabiru Olajide, Baale Oleyo; and other religious and political leaders.

Also present were Alhaji Mahmud Folaranmi Kareem, Chief Imam of Anabi Lonigba Central Mosque; Alhaji Muhammed Tirimisiyu, Chief Imam of Scout Camp Market; Hon. Sunday Babatunde; Hon. Sina Olapoju; Bamitale Ibrahim, Personal Assistant to Ambassador Arapaja; Banjo Bigger and representatives of various Islamic women’s organisations.