Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2.

October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

JIHAD AL-NISWA: EGBE-ALASALATU WOMEN STRUGGLE FOR

PERSONAL AND SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION IN
EKITI STATE, 1958-2024

Balogun, Badrudeen Adesina

Muslim Chaplain, Ado-Ekiti Custodial Centre
Nigerian Correctional Service
Ekiti State Command
[email protected]
08066114193

Yusuf, Amidu Yahya

Department of Religious Studies,
Ekiti State University,
Ado-Ekiti
[email protected]
08138093579

Abstract
This study explores the concept of Jihad al-Niswa, which refers to the struggle of Muslim
women for personal and social transformation. It focuses on the Muslim women (Egbe
Alasalatu) in Ekiti State, Nigeria, from 1958 to 2024, this article examines the ways in which
these women navigated the complexities of patriarchal societies and Islamic traditions to
advocate for their rights and empowerment. The objective of this study is to trace the origin,
growth and development of Egbe-Alasalatu with particular focus on Ekiti State; seeks to
analyse the organization's diverse activities, including their roles in education, healthcare,
economic empowerment, and political advocacy, highlighting their impact on women's lives
and the broader community; assesses the long-term consequences of the Egbe-Alasalatu's
engagement; evaluating its enduring legacy and contribution to women's empowerment and
social progress in Ekiti State. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study relies on
in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and archival research to gather data. The study
is framed within the context of Islamic feminism and the concept of Jihad al-Niswa. The
findings of this research reveal that Ansar-Ud-Deen society women in Ekiti State have played
a significant role in promoting personal and social transformation through education,
economic empowerment, and social mobilization. This study recommends that Muslim
women's organizations and Islamic institutions should prioritize women's education,
economic empowerment, and leadership development to promote personal and social
transformation. Furthermore, this research highlights the need for a more nuanced
understanding of Islamic feminism and the concept of Jihad al-Niswa in the Nigerian context

Key Words: Jihad, Al-Niswa, Alasalatu, Transformation

Introduction liberates them. The truth, however, lies

The role of women in Islam has been a somewhere in between. Women in Islam
subject of debate and discussion for have played a significant role in shaping
centuries. While some argue that Islam the religion and contributing to its growth
oppresses women, others contend that it and development. This article will explore
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

the contributions of women in early Islam, In Nigeria, women have played a

the Middle Ages, and in Nigeria, with a significant role in the propagation of Islam,
focus on the Yoruba people of Ekiti particularly among the Yoruba people.
extraction. Women played a crucial role in Women like Alhaja Humuani Alaga of
the early days of Islam. The Prophet Ibadan, a prominent Islamic leader and
Muhammad's (SAW) wife, Khadijah educator, and nana Asma’u, yan Taru, an
(Radiyallahu Anha), was not only his Islamic scholar, have made significant
companion but also his confidante and contributions to the growth and
advisor. She was a successful development of Islam in Nigeria3. Yoruba
businesswoman and a pillar of strength for women have also been instrumental in
the Prophet. Other notable women in early promoting Islamic education and culture.
Islam include A'ishah (Radiyallahu Anha), They have established schools, Islamic
the Prophet's wife and a renowned scholar; Centres, and organizations that promote
Fatimah (Radiyallahu Anha), the Prophet's Islamic values and principles. Women like
daughter and a symbol of piety and Bridget Aisha Lemu, a renowned Islamic
compassion; and Umm Salamah scholar, educator and one of founders of
(Radiyallahu Anha), a wife of the Prophet Federation of Muslim Women Association
and a skilled mediator1. These women, in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and Alhaja
along with many others, contributed Lateefah Okunu, a prominent Islamic
significantly to the growth and leader and politician, have made significant
development of Islam. They played a vital contributions to the development of Islamic
role in the propagation of the faith, education and culture in Nigeria4.
providing support and guidance to the Women have played a significant
Prophet and his companions. Their role in the growth and development of
contributions were not limited to the Islam throughout history. From the early
domestic sphere; they also participated in days of Islam to the present day, women
battles, provided medical care, and have contributed to the propagation of the
engaged in intellectual debates. faith, the preservation and transmission of
During the Middle Ages, women Islamic knowledge, and the promotion of
continued to play a significant role in Islamic values and principles. The
Islamic society. They were involved in contribution of women in Islam are a
various aspects of life, including education, testament to the importance of gender
literature, and politics. Women like Rabi'ah equality and the empowerment of women
al-'Adawiyah, a renowned Sufi saint, and in Islamic society. As we move forward, it
Sayyida Nafisa, a respected scholar and is essential that we recognize and celebrate
teacher, made significant contributions to the contributions of women in Islam, and
Islamic thought and culture. They also work towards creating a more inclusive and
played a crucial role in the preservation and equitable society for all.
transmission of Islamic knowledge. They
were involved in the copying and History of Egbe-Alasalatu in Ekiti
illumination of manuscripts, and some even The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society
became prominent scholars and teachers. (ADS), an Islamic society, was founded in
Women like Fatimah al-Fihri, the founder Lagos in 1923, inter alia, for the purpose of
of the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, the educational development of Muslims
Morocco, and Sayyida al-Hurrah, the queen and as a body to enhance the moral and
of Yemen, were instrumental in promoting social development of the Muslim
education and learning2. community. The Society set out as a
reformist idea for protection of the interests
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

of the Muslims against the dominant organisation sponsors programmes on

western programmes and imperial interests Radio stations, organises Ramadan lectures
in Lagos5. As years went by, the and visit old members.8 A major division in
membership of the Society expanded and the rank of the Association occurred in
extended to Muslims in different parts of 2016 over the fractionalisation of the
Nigeria. The Society has recorded to have Muslim groups in Ado-Ekiti to the Ansar-
about three hundred (300) branches in and Ud-Deen and Central Mosque. This
outside Nigeria. These branches are under division not only engineered cold war
the management of various State Councils within the ranks of Imams in Ekiti State,
which include the Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, but also divided the ranks of the Iya-
Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Northern States and Sunnah and Iya Alasalatu in Ekiti State.
Overseas Councils. The Ekiti Provincial Each group i. e., Iya-Sunnah of the Ansar-
Council of ADS was inaugurated in 1949 6. Ud-Deen and Iya-Sunnah of the Central
As the male counterparts have contributed Mosque had different leaders. At the
greatly to the advent, growth and demise of Alhaja Aminat Alao Apakala
development of Islam and ADS in Ekiti who was the Iya Sunnah General of Ansar-
State, Muslim women have not been left Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria of Ekiti State,
out. This marked the advent of Egbe the Iya-Sunnah of ADS, Igbemo-Ekiti,
Alasalatu in Ekiti State in 1958. Alhaja Taibat Amope Bakare became her
The Egbe Alasalatu in Ekiti was successor while Alhaja Aisha Lateef holds
established at the instance of Ansar- the title of Iya-Sunnah General of Central
UdDeen Society in 1955 when the Mosque, Ekiti State. This division was a
leadership of the Society mandated the setback among the Muslim women in Ekiti
Imams of each town and village to come State because it caused disunity among
along with their Iya-Sunnah to every them. Instead of speaking with one voice,
meeting.7 This created avenues for the they have different opinions on issues.
women folk to identify themselves. Since Both groups have their branches at each of
then, the Iya-Sunnah and Alasalatu of each the sixteen Local Government Areas of the
town had been meeting and reporting back State.9
their activities to the Ekiti Provincial Women played prominent roles in
Council. IyaSunnah is the spiritual leader the building of the Society in Ekiti land. to
of women folk in every Muslim compliment the effort of the leaders who
community and assisted by Iya-Alasalatu. started initially by attending meetings
Prominent among this Iya-Sunnahs and without their womenfolk. As soon as the
Alasalatus in the past were Alhaja Aminat foundation was laid, the women were
Bello, the Iya-Sunnah of Awo-Ekiti, Alhaja immediately involved in the spread of the
Sabitiyu Suberu, the Iya-Sunnah of Ikole- mission in Ekiti land. This was first done
Ekiti, others were; Ise-Ekiti, Emure-Ekiti, through the establishment of Egbe
IpaoEkiti and Igbemo-Ekiti among others. Alasalatu. Penalty of five shillings (5d)
They organised themselves till the creation was imposed on any erring Imam. This was
of Ekiti State. Alhaja Aminat Alao Apakala how they ensured the sustenance in Ekiti
(d. 2017) emerged as Iya-Sunnah of the State. Prominent among such pioneer
Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Ado- women were Alhaja Jinatu Jimoh of
Ekiti in 2010; she later became the State IreEkiti who was the second woman to
leader of the Association. The Association embark on holy pilgrimage to Makkah and
started organising series of meetings from Madinah in 1938 on road in Ekiti land,
state level to Local Government Areas. Alhaja Aminat Bello, the Iya-Sunnah of
During the month of Ramadan, the Awo-Ekiti,
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

Alhaja Sabitiyu Ojuolape Suberu, Qur’anic education she had, she was given
the Iya-Sunnah of Ikole-Ekiti, Madam traditional education especially local
Mariam Zubair, the Iya-Sunnah of orientation which was supposed to prepare
Igbemo-Ekiti and a host of other notable folks for future responsibility in domestic
women across Ekiti land. Both Alhaja crafts like making cotton tread, weaving,
Aminat Bello and Alhaja Sabitiyu Suberu dying, buying and selling of various goods
were specially appointed by the executive and farm products. In the farm, she was
committee at the meeting held in IfakiEkiti good; therefore, she assisted her father and
on 18th January, 1961, to represent women elder brothers in farming activities and
folk at all meetings, within and outside the eventually graduated to become itinerant
State. The efforts of these women were trader engaging in buying and selling to
complemented by all other Iya-Sunnah of various towns like Ilorin, Ibadan, Epe,
their respective towns; notable among Osogbo, Kabba, Ikare-Akoko, etc.11
whom were Madam Animotu Babalola In the religious and social circle,
(Ise-Ekiti), Madam Mariam Zubair her sterling roles and activities could be
(Igbemo-Ekiti), Madam AyisatJinadu, well noticed within the town; thus, she
(Igbara-Odo), Madam Ayisat Yusuf became Iya-Egbe (leader) of so many
(Iworoko-Ekiti), Alhaja Alimotu Lawal social and trade organisations in AwoEkiti.
(Arigidi-Ekiti) now Ayegbaju-Ekiti, This leadership trait did not leave her out
Alhaja Lambe (Ado- of religious activities which she had been
Ekiti), Madam Sinatu Sanusi (Iropora- known for from childhood. Thus, she
Ekiti), Madam Salamat Ibrahim (Ilawe- played leading roles in organising Muslim
Ekiti), among others10. women in the town and being versed in
Qur’an she used the opportunity to form
Selected Notable Women Leaders Egbe Alasalatu of Awo-Ekiti, where the
As Muslim men have contributed Society became exemplary to other Muslim
greatly to the advent, growth and women organisations in other Ekiti towns
development of Islam and ADS in Ekiti and villages. As a result of her sterling
State, Muslim women have not also been roles, she became recognised for her role in
left out. There are several of these women. making Muslim women and women in
However, this work covers only selected general more relevant in both religious and
few in Ekiti. These are: general activities in Awo-Ekiti. She
eventually became Iya-Sunnah of Awo-
1. AlhajaAminat Bello, 1879-1994 Ekiti in 1942 under the Imamship of Imam
Alhaja Aminat Bello was born in Sulaimon
1879 to the family of Alaporiki of Ojo Igbalajobi.12
AwoEkiti. Her father was Pa Alliyu At the instance of Ansar-Ud-Deen
Faweya Balogun, one of the pioneer Society, Ekiti State Provincial Council
Muslims in Awo-Ekiti. Her mother was made a pronouncement that mandated the
Madam Fatimah Ogunmola. Both parents Imams of each town and village to come
were natives of Awo-Ekiti. She did not along with their Iya-Sunnah to every
have opportunity of acquiring western activity of ADS in Ekiti. Alhaja Aminat
education but as the case of Awo-Ekiti at was one of the notable Iya-Sunnah that
that material time, she enrolled at Alfa made the position of Iya-Sunnah become
Mahmud Ameen, (the father of Imam Hadi daring and attractive to all and sundry. She
Adebayo Ameen) Qur’anic School, popularised the effectiveness of women in
AwoEkiti, where she acquired proficiency the making of Muslim and society at large,
in Qur’anic education. Along with the early thus the saying, “behind every successful
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

man there must be a woman”. The tone and named Sabitiyu Ojuolape. The Gregorian
narrations of Ansar-Ud-Deen changed with calendar was not common in Ikole-Ekiti
pomp and pageantry. She led other Muslim then, there was no accurate record of her
women in Ekiti. She then founded and birth, and hence, the exact date of her birth
became the first Chairperson of could not be ascertained14
EgbeAlasalatu, Ekiti State in 1957. At the At her early age, she used to join
extraordinary meeting of ADS, Ekiti land her mates and gathered her younger ones in
in 1959, Alhaja Aminat and her Vice, social gathering after farm works or
Alhaja Sabitiyu Suberu Oguntuase of occasionally on her return from hawking
Ikole-Ekiti were nominated as automatic business and in the moon, light chats “Eré
member of the Provincial executive Òsùpá” where they engaged in storytelling
committee of the Society. In 1968, during and local songs. At times, it was a mixed
the glorious tour of ADS in Ekiti land, gathering of males and females. She was
Alhaja Aminat was one of the delegates. very good and renowned in these social
She used her position to mobilise the displays. As a result of her place in the
Muslim women in every town and larger family, she attended Quranic Centre
village13. She performed holy pilgrimage to of one of the reputable Clerics in
Makkah and Madinah in 1965. All through OkeAyedun then called Alfa Gambari15.
her life, she was noted for her dynamic, Iya Sunnah as she was fondly called was
philanthropic and purposeful leadership also given traditional education especially
within and outside old Ondo State (now local orientations which prepare folks for
Ekiti and Ondo States). She became the future responsibilities in domestic crafts
President, Alasalatu Group, Ondo State in like making cotton tread, weaving, dying,
1978. buying and selling of various goods and
AlhajaAminat Bello got married to farm products. In the farm, she was good
Chief Bello Ajibola, the Atoye of AwoEkiti and she therefore engaged and assisted her
and had children, grandchildren and great father and elder brothers in farming
grandchildren. Among her children are activities and eventually helped them to
Alhaji Surveyor Bello Sheu, a retired sell their farm products. She eventually
Surveyor at Federal Ministry of Works, graduated to become itinerant trader
Abuja, who is the current Sheriki Adini of engaging in buying and selling to various
Ojodu Central Mosque, Lagos and his wife towns like Egosi-Ekiti (now Ilupeju-Ekiti),
is the current Iya-Sunnah of the same Omuo-Ekiti, Ikare-Akoko, Ilorin, Egbe and
Mosque. She died on 9th October, 1994. other neighbouring towns and villages.
Alhaja Ojuolape was one of the two
2. Alhaja Sabitiyu Ojuolape Suberu, prominent women within Ansar-UdDeen
1919-2005 Society in Ekiti land in its early years. Her
Alhaja Sabitiyu Ojuolape was born ability to gather together the women folk in
to the family of Alfa Abubakr Atere and Ikole-Ekiti and Egbe-Oba kingdom earned
Madam Aisha Atere of Ogbo-Omo her her the position of Iya-Egbe Alasalatu
Quarters, Oke-Ayedun-Ekiti. Her father, (leader of Muslim women prayer group) of
Alfa Atere as he was fondly called was one Ikole-Ekiti and Egbe-Oba Kingdom in
of the pioneer Muslims in Oke-Ayedun. 1952. Her roles and activities graduated her
Her father embraced Islam in the course of to become the IyaSunnah of Ikole-Ekiti in
his business trips to Ilorin. God blessed 1958. Alhaja Ojuolape and Iya-Sunnah of
them with eleven children comprising five Awo-Ekiti, Alhaja Aminat Bello became
males and six females. The second the women representatives in the meetings,
youngest child who was born in 1919 was conferences and virtually all activities of
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

ADS in Ekiti land, Ondo Province and Aminat Oluwafunmilayo Adio was born on
national level. She became Vice 29th November, 1939, to the family of
Chairperson of Egbe-Alasalatu of both Alhaji Sakariyahu Gbadamosi and Madam
Ekiti Provincial Council of Ansar-UdDeen Rabiat Adeoti Sakariyahu of Ado-Ekiti.
Society and Ondo State Council, and later She attended Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary and
became the Chairperson of EgbeAlasalatu Modern Schools, Ajilosun, Ado-Ekiti
of Ondo State, a position she held till her between 1947-1959 where she obtained
death. During Ansar-Ud-Deen Tour of both primary schools leaving certificate
Ekiti in 1968, Alhaja Ojuolape and Alhaja and modern three certificate respectively.
Aminat Bello were members of the She later proceeded to P & T Training
Committee. The roles played by both of School Ibadan, 1963-196517. She started
them within the Committee remain in the her work career with the second Western
annals of the Society in Ekiti land16 Region Premier, late S. L. Akintola as a
Her position in the family, telephone operator in the Premier Office,
IkoleEkiti, Ekiti Provincial Council and Ibadan. She later worked in the following
Ondo State was so exalting: She was a establishments:18
mobiliser, she made it duty bound that on i Cooperative College, Ibadan;
Fridays that she would go in group with ii Ministry of Works and Transport,
pomp and pageantry to Mosque and same Ibadan;
feats during the ‘Ids days. It was on record iii State Hospital, Akure, Ondo State;
that she was one of the first set of Muslim and
women in Ikole-Ekiti and indeed Ekiti land iv iv Ministry of Works and
to embark on holy pilgrimage to Makkah Transport, Akure, Ondo State.
and Madinah in the early nineteen Upon her resignation from Civil
seventies (1970s). She was responsible for Service, she started her business as an
the formation of Egbe Alalaaja indigenous contractor in 1972. She
(Association of women pilgrims) of Ekiti, performed exceedingly well and employed
later, Ondo State and she eventually many workers to complement her
became the first Chairperson of the workforce through which she was able to
association. give back to the society.
She got married to Pa Subair of Alhaja Apakala is adventurous and
Isunrin Quarters, Ikole-Ekiti as a teenager. well-travelled; her travelling traversed the
The marriage produced formidable length and breadth of Nigeria with several
children; among her children was Alhaji trips to many overseas countries some of
Abdu Salaam Oladipupo Zubair (a retired which are the Great Britain, Egypt, Saudi
military officer) who gave birth to the Arabia and Spain. She performed her first
present Mufti General of Egbe-Oba pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in
Kingdom, Alhaji Shaykh Nurudeen Bukola 1972, and performed Umrah more than five
Zubair. On 22nd February, 2005, the times.
covenant of Allah came to pass on her. She was highly devoted and
This was how the virtuous woman was lost dedicated to the service of Islam with her
by her family and the people of IkoleEkiti. time and money. For her patriotism and
Alhaja Sabitiyu Ojuolape Zubair was devotion, she was able to have the
eighty-seven years old when she gave up following recognition to herself:19
the ghost. i First Matron of Islamic Youth
Wing of Akure, Ondo State.
3. Alhaja Aminat Oluwafunmilayo ii First Matron, Muslim Students’
Abike Adio Apakala, 1939-2019 Alhaja Society of Nigeria, Ondo State
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

University, Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti members of ADS in Ekiti land. Both Pa

State University, Ado-Ekiti). Bello Ayinde and Pa Jimoh Alabi were
iii Life Matron, Muslim Students’ successful businessmen in Ado-Ekiti
Society of Nigeria, Federal during their life time.20
Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti. Alhaja Agbaje attended Ansar-
iv Matron, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society UdDeen Primary School, Ado-Ekiti,
Youth Association of Nigeria, Ado- 19541959, where she was adjudged as one
Ekiti. of the best students. After her Primary
v Matron, Young Muslim Brothers education, she proceeded to Ansar-UdDeen
and Sisters’ Association of Nigeria, Secondary Modern School, Ado Ekiti,
Iworoko-Ekiti. 1960-1961, where she was admired for her
vi Matron, Federation of Muslim excellent performances in her educational
Colleagues, Ado-Ekiti. career. Having obtained the Secondary
For her activities in the course of Islam, Modern School Certificate in 1961, her
Alhaja Aminat had Merit Award of love for teaching took her to the then
Souvenir of Islamic Propagation Ansar-Ud-Deen Teacher Training College,
Committee, Ekiti State in 1997; she was Ado-Ekiti, 1961-1963, and Government
conferred the highest national women Teachers’ College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta,
honour of ADS in 2002. In 2002, she was Ogun State, 1969-1970. To further her
installed as the Iya-Sunnah of ADS, teaching career, she went to the then Ondo
AdoEkiti Branch, a position that graduated State College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti,
her to become the Coordinator of all Ekiti State (now Bamidele Olumilua
IyaSunnah in Ekiti State till her death. To University of Education Science and
appreciate her good service to Ansar- Technology, Ikere-Ekiti) in 1977-
UdDeen Society of Nigeria in Ekiti State 198021
and Islam in general, the Ansar-Ud-Deen As a seasoned and dynamic teacher,
Society (ADS), Ekiti State Council in her teaching career covered two strata of
2014, bestowed on her, Merit Award of education from Primary and secondary
Excellence at the 3rd Triennial State Institutions for a period of twenty-five
Congress of the Society held in AwoEkiti 19.
years. She was a teacher who immensely
Alhaja Aminat’s marriage to Alhaji Adio
contributed to the growth and development
Apakala was blessed with promising
of the communities where she served
children and grandchildren. She remained
during her work career. She had her lateral
focused and God fearing, leaving no stone
cross from the old Ondo State Teaching
unturned as far as her religion is
Service to the Civil Service in 1988. She
concerned.
served in Old Ondo State and Ekiti State
Ministry of Education for the period of ten
4. Alhaja Risqot Ajojola Agbaje, years and statutorily retired in 1999.
1941 to date Alhaja R. A. Agbaje as she is
Alhaja Risqot Ajojola Agbaje was fondly called is not only a Muslim by birth,
born on 15th August, 1941, to the family of but a practical one that had contributed
late Pa Bello Olayanju of Ile-Epo, immensely to the growth and development
IsaleIjebu, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her of Islam at every stage of her life. She held
father was Pa Bello Ayinde, an astute and the following positions and belonged to
reputable Muslim of his time. He was one various Muslim associations.
of the co-founders of Ansar-Ud-Deen A few of them are itemised here:22
Society in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State in i. Chairperson, ADS Woman Advisory
general. Also, her maternal parent, Pa
Council, old Ondo State;
Jimoh Alabi was one of the pioneering
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

ii. National Assistant General Secretary II 5. Alhaja Taibat Amope Bakare,

of ADS Woman Advisory Council 1952 to date
iii. Chairperson, ADS Woman Advisory Alhaja Taibat Amope Bakare was
Council, Ekiti State; born to the family of Alhaji Chief
iv. Treasurer, Federation of Muslim Adeyinka Ojoro of Alapoyika family of
Women Associations in Nigeria Erewa Quarters, Awo-Ekiti and Madam
(FOMWAN), Ekiti State; RakiatSimisola Adeyinka in 1952. She
v. Member, Egbe-Iwalesin, ADS, Ado- started her early education at Ansar-
Ekiti; UdDeen Primary School, Awo-Ekiti. When
vi. Member, Egbe Afadurajagun, ADS, she was in primary four, she left AwoEkiti
Ado-Ekiti; to live with the late Chief Mrs. Elizabeth
vii. Chairperson, Unity Sisters’ Club, Oguntubi, the first Iyaloja of Ado-Ekiti.24.
Awo-Ekiti. Alhaja Taibat lived successfully
She is a recipient of the following awards with Iyaloja where she learnt cloth trading.
and honours: She was a hardworking, responsible,
i. Ansar-Ud-Deen Youth Association humble, dedicated and caring daughter to
of Nigeria, Ekiti State Merit Award, Iyaloja to the extent that people could not
2011. distinguish her from Iyaloja’s biological
ii. Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, children. Towards the end of her
Ekiti State Council Meritorious apprenticeship with Iyaloja cloth business,
Award, 2013. she got married to late Alhaji Sheedu
iii. iii. Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Bakare of Elegbira Family of Orun-Ekiti
Nigeria, National Council Award, toward the end of 1970s. She later took
2015. after her line of business (trading in exotic
iv. Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, clothing materials) for several years before
National Women Council Merit she ventured into rice production in a
Award, 2017. commercial quantity. After the death of her
v. She was Harvest Chair holder husband in 1986, she combined rice
recipient of Ansar-Ud-Deen plantation with buying and selling of
Central Mosque, Odo-Otu, processed rice. The success she recorded in
AdoEkiti and Ansar-Ud-Deen farming made her to expand her business to
Central Mosque, Awo-Ekiti many bulk selling of varieties of farm produce
times. such as rice, kola nut, cocoa among others
Alhaja Agbaje got married to late Alhaji which made her to travel to virtually all
Abdus-Salaam Ayoola Agbaje, the States of the federation, most especially the
immediate past Chief Imam of Awo-Ekiti northern parts.25
in 1965. The combine fruits produced by Alhaja Taibat is well travelled both
their marriage stand a testimony of the within and outside the country. She was in
happy life they were enjoying together. the United Kingdom in 2008 and returned
Her quest and struggle to produce a home in 2009 to perform holy pilgrimage
dependable scholar out of her formidable to Makkah and Madinah. She belongs to
children has become a reality. Among her many Muslim organisations/ societies and
students that excel in the field of academic served the societies/ organisations in
and religious activities are Prof. Shittu Ade various executive committees. She was a
Agbetola, a Professor of Islamic Studies; prominent member of Egbe Tajudeen
Alhaji Ade Mustafa; Mrs. Alade Akanbi within ADS Central Mosque, Igbemo-
Awau, a business tycoon residing in Ekiti. She also belongs to Egbe Alasalatu,
Ibadan; among others23. an active member of ADS in Igbemo-Ekiti.
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

As a result of her commitment to Alhaja Amope Bakare had been performing

Islam and the good leadership qualities brilliantly in the course of Islam than any
found in her, the entire Jama’ah of sceptic could imagine. Their combined
Igbemo-Ekiti (now Orun-Ekiti and effort was responsible for the
Igbemo-Ekiti) found her worthy as the reconstruction of the Ultramodern
IyaSunnah of Igbemo-Ekiti. Due to her Magnificent Mosque in the name of
brilliant performances in the roles assigned AnsarUd-Deen Society, Orun-Ekiti in the
to her by the Muslim community and the memory of their late father, Alhaji Sheedu
Jama’ah ADS, Ekiti State Council deemed Bakare to the glory of almighty Allah and
her fit to be appointed as Iya-Sunnah the use of humanity to the Orun-Ekiti
General of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society Muslim community in 2022. The mosque,
(ADS) Ekiti State Council on 22 nd April, being the site of the first mosque in Orun
2019. and Igbemo-Ekiti, represents the work of
Alhaja Bakare, in recognition of her service heroes’ past as a challenge to the upcoming
to humanity, is a recipient of many awards generations27.
in her locality. She was given a In summary, the distinguished
distinguished award of Mother of Mothers personalities discussed above had made
by Orun-Ekiti Development Association remarkable impacts on the growth and
on the occasion of Orun-Ekiti development of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society at
Day 2019; Award of Excellence by one time or the other in Ekiti State. Most of
IrRishad Islamic Society, Ado-Ekiti, in them joined the Society as vibrant youths
2014; Distinguish award of ADS and leaders of their respective domain.
IgbemoEkiti, 2018, and National Award of They worked for the need for Islam and the
ADS, 2019; Meritorious Award of Society to grow and develop in their
Federation of Muslim Women Association communities; Ansar-Ud-Deen Society
in Nigeria, 2022, among others26. Alhaja became the household name for Islam in
Bakare is blessed with children and every town and village. They were/are
grandchildren. figures in their respective towns. Hardly
These children had been performing will one mention Ansar-Ud-Deen Society
brilliantly and taking after their parents, his in any part of Ekiti in those glorious days
first child, late Alhaji Abdulhakeem to date that the abovementioned names will
Abiodun Bakare threw the gauntlet and had not readily come to mind. They used all
been leading teeming Muslim youths in influence at their disposal to promote the
Igbemo-Ekiti in early 1990s. He was the aim and objectives of the Society and Egbe
Amir, NASFAT youth, Remo division of Alasalatu became household name for
Ogun State and till death, the Zonal and every Muslim woman. The Society at one
Da‘wah Coordinator of NASFAT, Ogun time or the other provides enabled platform
State. And the Asiwaju Musulumi of for them to actualise their dream and in the
Ifelodun area of Ekiti State. Likewise, process contributed to the
Alhaji Yunus Kolawole Bakare, is very development of humanity. The labour of
resourceful in the propagation of Islam. In these hero’s past should never be in vain.
his entirety, he has been upholding the The younger ones read through history and
tenets of Islam and a promoter per continued from where these founders of the
excellence in all related issues that would Association in Ekiti land stopped. Their
project the banner of Islam and Orun-Ekiti. contributions to women
The upcoming jihadist and intelligential is empowerment, education and scholarship
Alhaji Tajudeen Bakare. These three of Muslim children remain evergreen in
personalities alone out of the promising people’s memories.
children of
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

Appraisal of the Contributions of Ansar-

Endnotes Ud-Deen Society to the Development of
1. A. O. Sanni, “Equal in Learning Islam in Ekiti State, 1946-2023”, … pp.
and Piety: Muslim Women Scholars in 165-183
Nigeria and North America” Journal of 9 B. A. Balogun, An Assessment of
Islamic Studies, vol 36, issue 1, 2025, pp. Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (ADS) in Ikole-
143-146 Ekiti:1949-2023, Ado Journal of History
2. Rick Hellman, “Book Expands on and International Studies Vol. 3, No 1,
Legacy of Women’s Islamic Scholarship”, 2023, Ekiti State University, AdoEkiti, pp.
Ku News Service, 785-864-8852, 46-61
rick_hellman@ku. edu, University of 10 B. A. Balogun, “The Contributions
Kansas. Retrieved on line on 11 th January, of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society to
2025 Development of Islam in Igbemo-Ekiti,
3 Britta Freed, “Female Muslim 1946-2022” Fountain International
Scholars in Africa” research gate, www. Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies
Research gate. Net retrieved on line on 23 (FIJAIS) ISSN: 2006 -2850 Vol.2 No.1,
December, 2023. Pp. 221-323 May, 2023 pp 145-163
11 B. A Balogun, An Assessment of
4 Britta Freed, Female Islamic Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (ADS) in Ikole-
Knowledge in Africa: A Forgotten Story, Ekiti:1949-2023, … pp. 4661
Oasis International Foundation,
Fondazion 12 Programme of Events, Ansar-Ud-
Internazionale Oasis, 2020 Deen Society Ekiti State Council,
3rdTriennial State Congress 2014. p. 11
5 B. A Balogun, “Historical
13 Programme of event, Ansar-Ud-
Appraisal of the Contributions of Ansar-
Deen society of Nigeria, Silver Jubilee,
Ud-Deen Society to the Development of
1974. “Egbe Ansar-Ud-Deen ti Nigeria
Islam in Ekiti State, 1946-2023”, a PhD
Ekati Ekiti”, p. 45
Thesis, submitted to the Department of
Religious Studies, Ekiti State University, 14 B. A. Balogun, An Assessment of
Ado-Ekiti, (2023) pp. 165-183 Ansar-Ud-Deen Society (ADS) in Ikole-
Ekiti:1949-2023, … pp. 4661
6 B. A Balogun, “The Contributions 15 Programme of event, Ansar-Ud-
of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society to Deen Society 75 years in Ekiti, 2024, pp.
Development of Islam in Igbemo-Ekiti, 20-28
1946-2022” Fountain International
Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies 16 Alhaji Abdul Kareem Fafure … 4 th
(FIJAIS) ISSN: 2006 -2850 Vol.2 No.1, of October, 2020 and Balogun B. A,
May, 2023 pp 145-163 “Historical Appraisal of the Contributions
7 M. O. Bello, “Muslim Students’ of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society to the
Society of Nigeria ‘MSSN’ and the Development of Islam in Ekiti State, 1946-
Development of Islam in Ekiti State”, a 2023”, 165-183
PhD Thesis, submitted to the Department 17 Programme of Events, Ansar-Ud-
of Religious Studies, Ekiti State Deen Society Ado-Ekiti, 25thAnniversary
University, Ado-Ekiti, (2015) of Alhaji Hadi Adebayo Ameen. p. 19
18 Programme of Events, Ansar-Ud-
8 B. A. Balogun, “Historical Deen Society Ado-Ekiti, 25th Anniversary
of Alhaji Hadi Adebayo Ameen … p. 19
Ado Journal of Religions and Culture AJRAC Vol.5 Number 2. October 2024, ISSN 1596-`4302

19 Programme of Events, Ansar-Ud-

Deen Society Ekiti State Council, 3 rd
Triennial State Congress 2014. p. 19

20 Alhaja R. A. Agbaje, former

Women Advisory Committee, Ekiti/Ondo
States, interviewed on the 13th of February,
2020 at AwoEkiti Central Mosque, Awo-
Ekiti
21 Alhaja R. A. Agbaje … 13th of
February, 2020 Alhaja R. A. Agbaje …
13th of February, 2020
22 Alhaji Mustafa, interviewed on the
15th of October, 2021 at Olokemeji Area,
Poly Road, Ado-Ekiti

22 B. A Balogun, “An Assessment on

the Contributions of Ansar-UdDeen
Society to Development of Ado-Ekiti,
Ekiti State, South- Western Nigeria,
1948-2023” SOSCED Journal,
Faculty of Education, Ekiti State
University, Ado-Ekiti, Vol 1 No 1 January,
2024, pp. 59-66

23 Programme of Events: 5th OrunEkiti

Day Celebration, 2019. pp. 17-18

24 Programme of Events, Ansar-Ud-

Deen Society of Nigeria, Igbemo-Ekiti
Branch, Official Installation Ceremony of
Alhaja Taibat Amope Bakare as Iya-
Sunnah of Igbemo-Ekiti, 2012. p. 13

25 B. A. Balogun, “The Contributions

of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society to
Development of Islam in Igbemo-Ekiti,
1946-2022” … pp 145-163