A HISTORY OF ISLAM IN OGBONA COMMUNITY, AVHIANWU CLAN
Summary
The history of Islam in the Ogbona community is a fascinating story of perseverance, dedication, and the power of faith. From its early beginnings in the 20th century to the present day, Islam has grown and developed in the community, shaped by the efforts of pioneering individuals and groups.
Some key points from the research work by Mallam Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik include:
Early challenges: Islam faced significant challenges in Ogbona, including apostasy and a lack of understanding of Islamic teachings.
Pioneering individuals: Early Muslims like Otuaye (Umoru) Oboarekpe, Ikhagu, Idode (Idris), Oyagha, and Brai Okozi played a crucial role in introducing and spreading Islam in the community.
Influence of Yoruba scholar: The arrival of a Yoruba scholar, known as ‘Alfa’, marked a turning point in the development of Islam in Ogbona, leading to a significant increase in the number of Muslims.
Key figures: Individuals like Seidu Anabor, Mustapha Imhana, Seidu Eruakhor, and Alhaji Suleiman Oyarekhua were instrumental in promoting Islam and shaping the community’s Islamic identity.
Establishment of Islamic institutions: The establishment of Islamic centers, mosques, and organizations like the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has contributed to the growth and development of Islam in Ogbona.
Prominent Muslims: Many individuals, including HRH Alhaji Aliyu Ajayi Oboarekpe, Alhaji Alidu, Imam Momodu Dunia, and others, have played significant roles in spreading and developing Islam in Ogbona.
The research work highlights the importance of education, community leadership, and individual dedication in promoting Islam and shaping the community’s Islamic identity. It also demonstrates the resilience and perseverance of the Muslim community in Ogbona, who have overcome challenges and obstacles to build a thriving and vibrant Islamic community.
(A Research Work by Mallam Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik)
Introduction
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
This historical account meticulously chronicles the arrival and growth of Islam in Ogbona, a community nestled within the Avhianwu Kingdom of Edo State, Nigeria. Compiled with the invaluable contributions of numerous Ogbona Muslims, this work seeks to preserve the legacy of faith passed down through generations. The success of our predecessors in establishing and sustaining Islam in this region is a testament not only to their dedication but also to the enduring grace and guidance of Allah.
Abstract
Ogbona, located in the Etsako Central Local Government Area, witnessed the introduction of Islam in the early 20th century by preachers from Northern Nigeria. The nascent Muslim community faced significant hurdles, including instances of apostasy stemming from a lack of foundational Islamic knowledge, the perception of Islam as a foreign entity, and the strong pull of traditional religious practices. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in comprehensive Islamic education for all, regardless of age or gender.
The Genesis of Islam in Ogbona
The story of Islam in Ogbona begins in the early 1900s. Spreading the message of Islam proved difficult due to the deeply rooted traditional beliefs held by the Ogbona people. Undeterred, preachers from the North traversed Afemai land, bringing the tenets of Islam with them. Among the first converts in Ogbona were individuals like Otuaye (Umoru) Oboarekpe, Ikhagu, Idode (Idris), Oyagha, and Brai Okozi.
However, these early Muslims grappled with a limited understanding of Islamic principles, largely due to language barriers. The inability of the Northern preachers to communicate effectively in Etsako, and vice versa, led to a blend of Islamic and traditional practices.
Around 1923, recognizing this issue, the Otaru of Auchi (Otaru I) sent Mallam Madogu Otsu from Igbe Auchi to Ogbona to provide structured Islamic instruction. This led to the establishment of a central place for prayer. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Brai Ikhaghu and Amedu Azama even relocated their families to Kano in pursuit of deeper Islamic learning. Tragically, they both passed away during this endeavor, leading to their families returning to Ogbona with the assistance of Alhaji Musa Adima, the Chief Imam of Uzairue. Their deaths had a discouraging effect, and some people reverted to traditional religions.
Adding to the rising increase of Islam in Ogbona, there was a period where children were dying from an unknown ailments. The Muslim community, including Alhaji Alidu, Alhaji Momodu Dunia, Brai Okozi, Ahmad, and Idode, sought spiritual aid by inviting Mallams from Auchi to pray for the community. They recited verses of the Qur’an over water, which was offered to children and women to drink. By Allah’s mercy, they were cured. This miracle encouraged many more people to embrace Islam.
The Pivotal Role of a Yoruba Scholar
The early 1970s marked a turning point with the arrival of a Yoruba scholar, reverently known as “Alfa,” (a traditional title of respect for Islamic scholars) to Ogbona. He came with a dual mission: to propagate Islam and to provide treatment for individuals with eye ailments. Alfa’s presence galvanized the community.
Key Figures in the Advancement of Islam
Alfa’s efforts inspired a significant wave of conversions. Prominent figures who played a vital role in this growth included:
Seidu Anabor, Mustapha Imhana (Mulla), Seidu Eruakhor and Alhaji Suleiman Oyarekhua
These individuals were steadfast in their faith. Their dedication laid a foundation for future generations, and their children continue to champion Islam in Ogbona and beyond.
A Lasting Legacy
The impact of Alfa’s mission and the pioneering spirit of these early Muslims has been profound, shaping the Islamic identity of Ogbona.
Later, five young Muslim children were sent to North Ibie to study Islam. Among them was Alhaji Momodu Dunia, who later became the first Chief Imam of Ogbona.
Alhaji Momodu Dunia: The First Chief Imam of Ogbona
By 1973, the burgeoning Muslim community in Ogbona was ready to establish its first Jumu’ah (Friday) service. Alhaji Momodu Dunia, along with dedicated individuals like Seidu Anabor, Seidu Eruakhor, Alhaji Aminu Isunevho, Alhaji Suleman Oyarekhua, Haruna Apemeye, Akhigbe Obos, Yahaya Akhigbe, and Suleman Odogbo, spearheaded this initiative.
His notable achievements included:
l Mandating Islamic education for all Muslim children, with non-compliance leading to exclusion from community religious events.
Successfully challenging the cultural restriction on wearing the red cap (Omada), traditionally reserved for initiated men. He fought and won a legal battle to ensure Muslims could not be discriminated against for wearing it.
Donating land for the construction of a larger mosque to accommodate the growing congregation.
The Rise of Islamic Scholarship
The year 1984 marked a significant milestone: the graduation of the first group of Ogbona Islamic scholars, including Mallam Idris Alidu, Mallam Shaka Yakubu, Zuwera Alidu, and Aminetu Alidu. This accomplishment was thanks to the determination, encouragement, and relentless efforts of the mallam Alidu who was popularly known as IDAYE. Their graduation (Wolimatul Qur’an) was planned in collaboration with the then Chief Imam, Alhaji Momodu Dunia, and other leaders. The Okpe Ukpi (village head), HRH Aliyu Ajayi Oboarekpe, who was not initially a Muslim, eventually embraced Islam before the celebration. This was a major milestone for Islam in Ogbona as the influence of the king strengthened the faith in the community.
Subsequently, a campaign emerged advocating for a formally trained Islamic scholar to lead the community. Demonstrating remarkable selflessness, Alhaji Momodu Dunia, after 23 years of service with limited formal training, voluntarily stepped down in favor of the younger and more formally educated Mallam Yusuf Alidu, with Mallam Abdullah Sule Odogbo serving as his deputy. This peaceful transition was an unprecedented act of humility in Afemai land.
The Leadership of Imam Yusuf and Abdullah Sule Odogbo
Under the leadership of Imam Yusuf and Deputy Imam Abdullah Sule Odogbo, two Islamic centers were established, one in Emede and another in Ugiagba, furthering Islamic education.
Continued Development of Islam in Ogbona
The establishment of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ogbona branch in the early 2000s played a key role in the modern development of Islam in Ogbona.
Establishment of the Darul Huda Islamic Centre by Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik.
Establishment of another Islamic center in Okotor (Alhaji Mamodu Okozi Mosque) by Mallam Hassan Abdullah.
Construction of the ultra-modern central mosque by Peter Omoh Dunia.
Ogbona has produced two Huffaz (memorizers of the Qur’an): Lukman Kebiru Suleman and Shamsiyah Ismail Saidu.
The Influence of Islamic Culture
Islamic culture has played a significant role in shaping the social and cultural landscape of Ogbona. Religious practices, customs, and traditions influenced by Islam are woven into the fabric of daily life for the Muslim population. Festivals such as Eid Al-Kabir (Big Sallah), Eid Al-Fitr (Small Sallah), and Eid al-Maulid (the commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad) are celebrated with enthusiasm in the community, bringing together families and friends for shared observance and reflection.
The Muslim community in Ogbona, numbering around 850 individuals (approximately 4.6% of the population), contributes to the town’s diversity and cultural richness. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Ogbona branch, established on June 27, 2000, has played a significant role in promoting Islamic values and community service.
MSSN Ogbona Branch Achievements
Community Outreach: The organization has conducted free medical outreach programs annually, benefiting the broader Ogbona community.
Visitation Programs: MSSN visits the oldest individuals in the community, as well as the oldest Muslim men and women, fostering inter-generational connections and respect.
Welfare Programs: The association provides educational support and other forms of assistance to the less privileged, widows, and orphans.
Hospital Visitation: MSSN organizes quarterly hospital visits to offer prayers and gifts to patients, demonstrating its commitment to community care.
Impact and Leadership
Under the leadership of Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik and with the support of patrons like Alhaji Aminu Isunuevho and the late HRH Alhaji Patrick Oboarekpe, MSSN Ogbona has made a positive impact on the community. The organization’s presence extends to government schools in Avianwu Kingdom, promoting Islamic education and values.
The MSSN Ogbona branch’s initiatives reflect the community’s values of compassion, respect, and inclusivity, contributing to the town’s harmonious coexistence and cultural celebrations.
Prominent Figures in Ogbona’s Islamic History
The following individuals have made significant contributions to the spread and development of Islam in Ogbona:
1. HRH Alhaji Aliyu Ajayi Oboarekpe (1922–2010): The first Muslim clan head of Avianwu from Ogbona, influencing many to embrace Islam.
2. Alhaji Alidu: Father of the first set of scholars in Ogbona.
3. Imam Momodu Dunia: The first Chief Imam of Ogbona.
4. Alhaji Aminu Isunuvho (Alhaji Kano): Influential leader and financial supporter of Islam.
5. Imam Yusuf Alidu: The current Chief Imam of Ogbona.
6. Idode (Idris): Helped in building the first mosque.
7. Alhaji Yahaya Akhigbe: The first person to go on Hajj from Ogbona.
8. Alhaji Suleman Oyarekhua: Supported mosque building.
9. Mallam Saidu Eruakhor: A preacher of Islam who learned the Qur’an at an old age.
10. Alhaji Momodu Brai Okozi: Contributed to mosque development.
11. Sheikh Abdullah Suleman Odogbo: Deputy Imam.
12. Sheikh Hamza Saeed: Current Ladan of Ogbona Central Mosque.
13. Sheikh Ahmad Apemeye: Scholar and preacher.
14. Ustaz Pius Etokhana Abdulmalik: Founder of Darul Huda Islamic Centre.
15. Sheikh Ibrahim Mustapha: The first Islamic scholar from Ogbona with a university degree in Islamic Studies.
16. Chief Anetu Osizimhete: Former secretary-general of FOMWAN Etsako Central L.G.A.
17. Mallama Hajara Ismail: Former MSSN female president and current FOMWAN president.
18. Hassana Oboarekpe: Current president of Asalatu-Siratul Mustaqeem women prayer group.
19. Mallam Hassan Abdullah: Strong financial supporter of Islam.
References:
From the formal Imam Alhaji Mamudu Dunia and some Muslim Elders.
2. Islam In Edo (By Shehu Jimoh).
3. Islam and Edo ( By Alhaji Auto Audu).
—————————————————
COMMON MUSLIM NAMES IN OGBONA
These are common Muslim names in Ogbona, with beautiful meanings and significance. Here’s a breakdown:
Male Names
1.Abudu (Abdullah) – Servant of Allah.
2.Abdulmalik – Servant of the King.
3.Abdul-Jabar – Servant of the Powerful.
4.Momodu (Mohammad) – The praised one.
5.Bekisu (Bakkish) – Gift from God.
6.Suleman (Solomon) – Peaceful or wise.
7.Malik – King or sovereign.
8.Mamud/Mamudu (Mahmud/Muhammad) – Praiseworthy.
9.Mohammed – Praised one (Prophet of Islam).
10.Abas – Lion or brave.
11.Salisu (Salih) – Righteous or good.
Female Names
1.Aminatu (Aminat) – Female servant of Allah.
2.Ashetu (Aishat) – Alive or well-living.
3.Asiyetu (Aisha) – Alive or well-living.
4.Barakat – Blessings or good fortune.
5.Belikisu – Possibly related to Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba.
6.Fatima – Abundance, captivating, or one who abstains.
7.Mariamu (Maryam) – Beloved or revered mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
8.Mariatu (Maryam) – Devoted female worshiper of Allah.
9.Nefisah – Precious or valuable.
10.Rahanat – Relief or comfort.
11.Ramat (Rahma) – Mercy or compassion.
12.Rekiyat (Raqiya) – Ascension or spiritual growth.
13.Selimat (Salima) – Safe or sound.
14.Silifat (Sulafa) – Pure or noble.
15.Zainab – Beauty or fragrance.
These names reflect the values and principles of Islam, such as devotion, humility, and righteousness.
—————————————————-
Name Details:
– Abas: Means “lion” or “stern,” name of the Prophet Muhammad’s brave uncle.
– Abdul-Jabar: Means “servant of the Almighty” (Allah).
– Abdulmalik: Means “servant of the King” (Allah).
– Barakat: Means “blessings” or “prosperity.”
– Fatima: Means “captivating,” or “one who abstains”; name of the Prophet’s daughter.
– Malik: Means “king,” also a name of Allah.
– Mamud/Mamudu: Variant of Mahmud; means “praised” or “commendable.”
– Mariamu: Arabic form of Mary, mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
– Mohammed: Means “praised”; the Prophet Muhammad’s name.
– Nefisah: Means “precious,” “valuable,” or “gem.”
– Selimat: Means “safe” or “healthy.”
– Zainab: A beautiful and popular name, refers to a flowering plant; can mean “ornament” or “adornment.” Zainab was the Prophet Muhammad’s granddaughter.
These names reflect Islamic values like mercy, compassion, and righteousness.
Male Names
• Abas: Meaning “lion” or “brave.”
• Abdul-Jabar: Servant of the Powerful (Allah).
• Abdulmalik: Servant of the King (Allah).
• Abudu (Abdullah): Servant of Allah; symbolizes humility and devotion.
• Bekisu: Means “gift from God.”
• Malik: King or sovereign; also a name of Allah.
• Mamud/Mamudu/Mohammed: Variants of Mahmud/Muhammad, meaning “praised” or “commendable.”
• Momodu (Mohammad): Meaning “praised”; honors the Prophet of Islam.
• Salisu: Means “righteous” or “good.”
• Suleman: A variant of Solomon, meaning “peaceful” or “wise.”
Female Names
• Aminatu (Aminat): Female servant of Allah; reflects humility.
• Ashetu (Aishat/Asiyetu): Means “alive” or “well-living.”
• Barakat: Blessings or good fortune.
• Fatima: Captivating, revered as the Prophet’s daughter.
• Mariatu (Maryam/Mariamu): Devoted servant of Allah; revered as the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus).
• Nefisah: Precious, valuable, or exquisite.
• Rahanat: Relief or comfort.
• Ramat: Variant of Rahma, meaning “mercy” or “compassion.”
• Rekiyat: Spiritual growth or ascension.
• Selimat: Safe, sound, or secure.
• Silifat: Pure or noble.
• Zainab: Beauty or adornment; name of the Prophet’s granddaughter.
These names not only reflect Islamic faith but also embody values like mercy, compassion, piety, and righteousness, which are central to the Ogbonna Muslim community.
