The Esan Muslim Community, Benin City, on Sunday, held a colourful turbaning ceremony for its newly appointed Imam, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah, marking a significant moment in the religious life of the community.

The well-attended ceremony at the community’s mosque, Eyaen, Benin City attracted traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, community leaders, and other dignitaries from across Edo State, underscoring the importance of the occasion and the respect accorded to the new Imam.

Speaking shortly after his installation, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoriah promised to lead the congregation with sincerity, and the fear of Allah in the discharge of the sacred duty.

He called for unity and support from among the Muslims Ummah to enable the community achieve it’s objectives of improving the spiritual well-being of faithful thus making the society a better place for all. He stressing that, no Imam succeeds alone except with the cooperation, support and prayers from the congregation, just as he urged them to correct him when he erred.

The Vice Chairman of the Esan Muslim Community, Mr. Kasim Ahiante, in his brief remarks explained that the turbaning ceremony became necessary following the departure of the immediate past Imam, who graciously gave his approval for the installation of a successor. He described the process as peaceful and consultative, reflecting the unity and maturity of the community.

A short but insightful Islamic lecture on the religious significance of turbaning an Imam was delivered by Imam Abdurasheed Jatto, who emphasized integrity, justice, fear of Allah, and service to humanity as core responsibilities of an Imam. He reminded the gathering that an Imam is not only a prayer leader but also a moral guide, unifier, and custodian of Islamic values within the community.

The ceremony featured special prayers for the new Imam, the Esan Muslim Community, Edo State, and Nigeria at large. Messages promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence among Muslims and with adherents of other faiths were also highlighted as central themes of the event.

The Royal Father of the Day was HRH Alhaji, Barrister Abdulrazak Isesele III, the Onojie of Ewu, whose presence added royal prestige to the ceremony. Other notable dignitaries invited and in attendance included Barrister Umar Musa Ikhilor, Secretary to the Edo State Government; Alhaji AbdulAzeez Igbinidu, Chairman of the Edo State Council for Islamic Affairs; Alhaji Abdulkabir Eranga, Executive Secretary Edo State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board and Imam Oamen Aneru, Coordinator of the League of Imams, Edo South, among others.

The turbaning ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and prayers, as members of the community expressed confidence that Imam Suleman Ikhuoriah’s leadership would strengthen Islamic values, promote unity, and enhance the spiritual well-being of the Esan Muslim Community in Benin City.