MURIC OGUN CELEBRATES PROFESSOR ISHAQ AKINTOLA’S PRESTIGIOUS SULTAN’S SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD, DESCRIBES IT AS A TRIUMPH FOR JUSTICE, ISLAM AND HUMAN RIGHTS*
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ogun State Chapter, heartily congratulates its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on the conferment of the prestigious Award of Special Recognition by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni.*
The award was formally presented to Professor Akintola on Monday, 2nd November 2026, during the grand finale of the 13th Usman Dan Fodio Week and the 20th Coronation Anniversary Celebration of the Sultan of Sokoto, held at the International Conference Centre, Kasarawa, Sokoto State.
*The historic occasion attracted an impressive gathering of distinguished personalities, including traditional rulers, eminent Islamic scholars, religious leaders, government officials, jurists, diplomats, academics, civil society leaders, and other respected Nigerians from across the country and beyond.
MURIC Ogun State Chapter believes that this distinguished honour is richly deserved and a befitting recognition of Professor Akintola’s decades of sacrifice, principled leadership, intellectual excellence, and relentless advocacy for justice, religious freedom, constitutional rights, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Over the years, Professor Akintola has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most courageous and consistent voices in defending the rights of Muslims through peaceful, lawful, intellectual, and constitutional means.
His fearless commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, particularly the right of Nigerian Muslims to practice their religion without discrimination, intimidation, or persecution has earned him national and international respect.
Ogun State Chapter of MURIC is especially inspired by Professor Akintola’s decision to dedicate this prestigious award to Muslim victims of religious persecution across Nigeria. Such an extraordinary gesture reflects uncommon humility, exemplary leadership, and complete selflessness. It demonstrates that, even at the peak of recognition, his foremost concern remains the welfare, dignity, and protection of the Muslim Ummah and all victims of injustice.
Indeed, this honour transcends personal recognition. It is a celebration of courage, truth, justice, perseverance, and principled advocacy. It is equally an honour for the entire MURIC family, the Nigerian Muslim community, defenders of human rights, and all individuals who believe in equity, fairness, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
The Holy Qur’an reminds believers:
“And say, ‘Work, for Allah will see your deeds, and so will His Messenger and the believers.'” (Qur’an 9:105).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to mankind.”
*This timeless teaching perfectly reflects the life, mission, and enduring contributions of Professor Ishaq Akintola, whose scholarship, courage, and advocacy continue to inspire countless Muslims and defenders of justice across Nigeria and beyond.*
MURIC Ogun State Chapter therefore joins millions of well-wishers in celebrating this remarkable milestone. We fervently pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) continues to bless Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola with abundant good health, long life, increased wisdom, divine guidance, unwavering courage, greater strength, and immeasurable rewards for his outstanding service to Islam, humanity, justice, and the nation.
May Allah accept his sacrifices as acts of worship, preserve him upon righteousness, protect him from every form of harm, and continue to make him an instrument of peace, justice, and positive transformation. May this distinguished recognition inspire future generations of Muslim leaders, scholars, and advocates to uphold truth, defend the oppressed, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of justice.
