The entire Oworonshoki community became a centre of attraction last Thursday (April 2) as it welcomed eminent personalities, dignitaries, and Islamic scholars to the 90th birthday celebration of prominent Islamic cleric and founder of Lutful-Lahi International, Sheikh Mohammed Robiu Adebayo Abdul Malik, fondly known as Baba L’oworo.

Well-wishers and members of the Lutful-Lahi International joined the celebrant at the Zawiyat Tijanniyah Central Mosque in Oworonshoki, Lagos, where they gathered to honour him, offering prayers and reflecting on his life, enduring legacy, and his unwavering dedication to faith, compassion, and service to humanity.

They praised Allah for making him joined the nonagenarian club, underscoring that only a few are blessed to attain such a remarkable milestone.

The celebration was further marked by a unique gesture, as he was honoured with the opening of a newly built flat on the same street where he resides including the launching of a magazine.

The gathering erupted in joy as he was presented with a sacred prayer mat said to have been used more than 50 years ago by renowned West African Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass. The prayer mat was given to him as a birthday gift by one of the scholar’s grandsons.

Leading the tributes, Chairman of the Lagos State Governors’ Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, described Sheikh Abdul Malik as a charismatic islamic leader who has made significant impacts in propagating Islamic principles within and outside his domain.

He noted that his relationship with the celebrant has grown over time into a strong and meaningful bond, emphasising that their common faith has played a central role in shaping their connection, guiding their interactions, and strengthening their understanding of one another.

He stated that the Qur’an was among the most valuable inheritances left behind by his parents, highlighting the strong emphasis they placed on their faith and devotion to religion.

“When they gave us the Qur’an, upon opening that and I couldn’t read it, I was just weeping and at that moment, I told God to give me children that can read Quran. And today, they can recite it fluently.”

He urged the members to follow the exemplary life of the celebrant, emphasising that, from the beginning of his life to the present, he has consistently prioritised his faith, adhered to its teaching, and promoted peace through the Islamic group he founded.

Olusi noted that there’s no big deal about living up to a certain age when one can’t make significant impacts in the lives of others. According to him, “The aging process is just a decaying process.”

In his brief remarks, a renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Issa Abubakir Solaty, described the celebrant as among the few signs God mentioned in the Holy Book.

“If not for the fact that he is a sign of God on earth, despite his age, he is still actively engaged in worship. It shows Allah has counted him among the most favoured on earth,” he said.

Sheikh Al Hadi Muhammad Awwal Otolorin Abdulah, also lauded the great scholar’s respect for past eminent Islamic scholars, noting that he is now reaping the rewards of his lifelong dedication.

Quoting a hadith of Prophet Muhammad, which states that the average lifespan of members of his Ummah is between sixty and seventy years, he said that Sheikh Adebayo surpassing this milestone is a great blessing for which we must continually thank God for.

In a statement issued to celebrate Sheikh Abdul Malik’s 90th birthday, the Grand Mufty of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, said that a life well spent in the service of Allah is truly worth celebrating, describing the celebrant as a rare gem, a pillar of knowledge, and a symbol of steadfast service to Islam.

He said: “For nine decades, Baba L’oworo has lived a life devoted to the service of Allah, the propagation of Islamic knowledge, the nurturing of souls, and the strengthening of the Ummah. His life stands as a shining example of sincerity (ikhlāṣ), patience (ṣabr), humility, and unwavering dedication to the path of righteousness.”

He prayed to God to continue to elevate his rank, accept all his good deeds as acts of ‘ibādah, and grant him ḥusnul khātimah when the time comes.

“May his legacy remain evergreen, and may generations yet unborn continue to benefit from his knowledge, character, and sacrifices,” he added.

Others who were present at the celebration included the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdul-Razaq Adesina, Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Mohammad Miftaudeen Gbadegesin, among other eminent personalities.