THE MAN AMB. DAUD TIJANI IGIOGUN: AN UNUSUAL BLESSING TO OYO LAND
If you mention Oyo today and you do not mention Sheikh M’Daud Ahmad Tijani Igiogun, The Khadeemul-Muslimeen of oyo kingdom, you have not told the full story of Oyo’s new glory.
He is not just an Imam. He is not just a cleric. He is an institution.
WHO IS THIS MAN?
Ambassador Daud Tijani Igiogun, the Khadeemul-Muslimeen of Oyo Kingdom, Chairman of the Imamate Inauguration and Turbaning Committee for the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Kingdom, is a rare breed — a man who combines deep Islamic scholarship with uncommon street wisdom, royal diplomacy, and patriotic activism.
Born and bred in Oyo Alaafin, his love for Oyo is not seasonal; it is in his blood.
WHY HE IS AN UNUSUAL BLESSING:
A BRIDGE-BUILDER BETWEEN THE PALACE AND THE MOSQUE:
In a time when many clerics chose to be antagonists of the throne, Sheikh Igiogun has chosen to be a partner of progress. From the reign of late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III to the new era of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Engr. Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, he has remained a trusted son of the palace. His ability to mobilize the entire Muslim Ummah of Oyo for the success of the Alaafin’s agenda is legendary.
A DEVELOPMENT FACILITATOR:
Oyo people will not forget in a hurry how Sheikh Igiogun singlehandedly facilitated numerous developmental projects to Oyo town through his long-standing relationship with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State and Minister of Interior. Roads, empowerment, educational support, passport office, federal fire service and Agro Rangers— he brought them home without making noise. He does not just pray for Oyo; he works for Oyo.
A COURAGEOUS VOICE FOR OYO PEOPLE:
When it mattered most, he spoke. You will recall his famous 5-minute video advocacy where he boldly appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde on behalf of Oyo people, reminding the government that after Ibadan, Oyo gave the highest votes in 2019. That is not politics; that is love for his people. He risks being misunderstood just to ensure Oyo is not neglected.
A NATIONAL CLERIC WITH INTERNATIONAL RELEVANCE:
Long before terrorism became a national discourse, Imam Dawud Igiogun was already delivering lectures on Terrorism and Islamophobia, quoting Qur’an 60:8 to prove that Islam is a religion of mercy. At the NUJ Ramadan Lecture in Osogbo, he publicly called on Islamic leaders to denounce Boko Haram and all groups killing in the name of Islam. That is an unusual scholar — who defends Islam with knowledge, not violence.
A MAN OF PEACE AND RECONCILIATION:
The same man who can shout for justice for Oyo is the same man who works quietly behind the scenes for reconciliation. It was revealed recently that he has been among the clerics working tirelessly to reconcile political gladiators for the sake of Yoruba unity, even sponsoring spiritual intercessions for over a decade for the actualization of noble political visions. He believes what binds us is greater than what divides us.
CONCLUSION:
Oyo has many sons. But Oyo has few sons like Amb. Daud Tijani Igiogun.
He is not rich by Oyo’s richest standards, but his contact is richer than money.
He is not a king, but kings listen to him.
He is not a politician, but politicians respect him.
In an age of religious commercialization and tribal bigotry, Sheikh Igiogun remains a symbol of balanced religiosity, cultural pride, and unconditional love for Oyo Alaafin.
Oyo is blessed to have him.
May Allah preserve him, increase his wisdom, and let Oyo enjoy him for many more decades.
Oyo o ni baje. Igiogun o ni reyin.
Written in honour of a living legend of Oyo Kingdom by Revd Dr Kolade Oladele