History of Islam in Offa
Historians told us
that they could not say exactly the year Islam was presented to Offa and the
person who brought it. But in 1900 when the people returned to Offa from
Ido-Osun, Islam had been deep-rooted in Offa, especially in Aranmokanla,
Akosomu, Ajoda, Mogaji Aba (in Popo), Imam, Ajia Oke-Okoo, Bolude and Baba (in
Ita-Erin) compounds.
We learnt that these compounds did not go to Ido-Osun, when Offa was deserted, but went to the Yanayo Campground at Ilorin.
We learnt that these compounds did not go to Ido-Osun, when Offa was deserted, but went to the Yanayo Campground at Ilorin.
By 1907; Islam was
well established in Offa when the influential people of the town embraced the
religion. The first to pray (salat) among them was Lawani Atoyebi son of Kempe.
Lawani, who was commonly known as Alhaji Dundu, died in 1964. After he accepts
Islam, numerous prominent who were his age group in Offa also embraced Islam.
Since then Islam has been deep-rooted in Offa till date. Momodu Alabi, commonly
known as Alhaji Popo was one of those who had little knowledge of the Quran and
was the one who taught Alhaji Dundu the Quran. Alhaji Popo was the first person
in Offa to go on pilgrimage to Mecca; he went with his wife. Alhaji Momodu’s
father hailed from Ogbomosho. Just about 1910, one Islamic tutor known as
Aminu, an Ilorin man came to Offa and lodged at Aranmokanla’s compound.
He engaged in embroidery making and was well knowledgeable in the Quran and was later known as the Quranic tutor of Aranmokanla’s compound. He was also leading the Offa people in holy rites as well as teaching them the Quran. Alhaji Popo, Alhaji Dundu, Usamat Imam, Falali Imam and Alhaji Sanni Giwa were Quranic students of Alfa Aminu of Aranmokanla’s compound.
He engaged in embroidery making and was well knowledgeable in the Quran and was later known as the Quranic tutor of Aranmokanla’s compound. He was also leading the Offa people in holy rites as well as teaching them the Quran. Alhaji Popo, Alhaji Dundu, Usamat Imam, Falali Imam and Alhaji Sanni Giwa were Quranic students of Alfa Aminu of Aranmokanla’s compound.
We learnt that the first Imam in Offa was a man known as Maliki and the title has remained in his compound till date. Those who have held the title are: Maliki, Bakare Suta, Abass Raman, Abdul-Kareem, Usamat, Falali, Salawudeen who was the Imam in 1970 when the History of Islam in Offa was being compiled, and Oseni who was the Imam at the time of this second edition. All the named Imams were of the same ancestry. Imam Kareem was well proficient in the Quran and was intelligent too. He was an Imam, a Judge, as well as a Tax Collector for the town.
We could not relate the history of Islam in Offa without mention being made of the central mosque. The mosque has been reconstructed thrice; the present one is the fourth construction. Those who contributed immensely during the construction of the third restructure were: Imam Falali, Alhaji Dundu, Alhaji Popo, Jimoh Naibi, Alhaji Sanni Giwa, Alhaji Gbadamosi Ijaiya, Alhaji Bello Jatto, Alhaji Aliu Olatinwo, Lawani Onawola (Baba Isale) and Bakare Keji.
Those who were in Offa as well as outside it donated generously towards the construction of the mosque, which is an object of honour and glory to Offa. The building cost £600,060 = or N1, 200,060 when the Nigerian currency had value. Alhaji Sanni Giwa and Imam Salawu were those who gave us specifics of this history. Both of them are now deceased, May the God mercies be upon them.
