The Grand Caliph: Recounting His Story and Glory: 7 Lessons All Leaders and Would-Be Leaders Must Learn from Him

By Gafar Adenekan

From the bestselling author of From Zero to Hero comes another brilliant insight from the life of a man who strove to put his past behind him and rise to the pinnacle of greatness. This idea-packed publication shares the untold story of how the Grand Caliph charted paths through vast wilderness. In a simple but thought-provoking style, it brilliantly presents stimulating lessons that offer hope to those who have lost the will to pursue success as a result of roadblocks in life. It also offers powerful strategies to all leaders that aspire or struggle to sustain their achievements. If these ideas could work for this outstanding and often-troubled leader, then they can be easily applied to your own personal situations with success a surety. The content of the book is as rich as its attention-grabbing design.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Africa
• Release date: Jul 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781482807813

Gafar Adenekan

Gafar Adenekan is the author of the bestselling From Zero to Hero. He is a translator, editor, and a seasoned diplomat from the prestigious SOAS, University of London, at postgraduate level. He is also the author of A Divine Way of Purifying the Soul and Child’s Upbringing and Modern Challenges.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Gafar Adenekan.

ISBN:      Softcover   978-1-4828-0780-6

                eBook       978-1-4828-0781-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgements

Preface

Chapter One

A Future Leader Is Born

Life in Showunmi Village

Chapter Two

From the Village to the City

Chapter Three

The St. Peters’ Days

Oladunjoye; the Disciplinarian

Chapter Four

The Boyhood Era

Making Ends Meet

Chapter Five

His Religious and Spiritual Pursuits

His Spiritual Voyage

His Religious Pursuits

Chapter Six

The Grand Caliph: A Family Advocate

Chapter Seven

A Relaxed Homecoming

Chapter Eight

Creating a Large and Colourful Image

The Aftermath of the Visits

An Indistinct Path to Success

Chapter Nine

The Rough Road to the Caliphate

The Role of Chief M. Ola Yusuf

A Romance with Destiny

Chapter Ten

The Preliminary Struggle

Chapter Eleven

The Price of Greatness

The Ijebu Accord

The Lagos Lobbying Group

The Egba Scenario

Chapter Twelve

Trading Space for Time

Chapter Thirteen

The Naissance of Supreme Council for Faedat Tijaniyat, South-West Nigeria

Chapter Fourteen

The Ibadan Revolution

Some Other Members of the Executive Council

Chapter Fifteen

Rising To Prominence

The 2008 Experience: The Bad and the Good

Chapter Sixteen

The Aftermath of the Imamship

Chapter Seventeen

Some of His Foreign Trips

Chapter Eighteen

Reflecting on the Fulcrum of His Leadership Quality

His Drive

His Magnanimity

Bibliography

Journals

A Biography

THE GRAND CALIPH: Recounting His Story and Glory

7 Lessons all Leaders and Would-be Leaders Must Learn from Him

Foreword by Prince Bola Ajibola (Former Judge of the World Court)

Gafar Adenekan; Best-selling author of From Zero to Hero

Other Publications by the Author

- From Zero to Hero: 7 Simple but Powerful Strategies to Avoiding Roadblocks in Life (2011)

- Child Upbringing and Modern Challenges in Islam 2007 (Unpublished)

- A Divine Way of Purifying the Soul (2005)

Gafar Adenekan

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

08033331859

Dedication

To

Sheikh Alhaji Abdullah Ibrahim Niass;

Sheikh Mahmun Ibrahim Niass;

Sheikh Muhammad-l-Awwal Ayinla Otolorin;

(All of blessed memories)

And Sheikh Muhammad Quraysh Ibrahim Niass

FOREWORD

I have the honour and privilege to write the foreword to this book, The Grand Caliph, about the life of a rather silent but quite very successful Islamic activist, Sheikh Muhammad Salis Alao Adenekan.

His life and mode of peaceful Dawah which I watched from afar came really close when my wife, Alhaja Amatullah Ajibola became the Balogun Obinrin of the Ogun State Council of Tijaniyat. My interaction and collaboration with the revered Sheikh on religious matters have since then increased. I am happy that his worthy life, from humble beginnings, has been elaborately documented in this richly written book.

Permit me to say that the life of the Grand Caliph, Sheikh Salis Adenekan as recorded in this biography is the exact archetype of most men of vision and greatness. They eschew all vices and cling to virtues that continually amplify their ennobling characters and put them in the positions of role models. They are dogged in their determination of working for the common interest and achieving the common good. And when vicissitudes come their way as they always almost do, they never allow that to deter them from achieving the God-ordained victory.

Great lessons abound in this book about the life of this quite focus, revered, knowledgeable, and amiable Islamic scholar. It shows clearly that all powers belong to Allah, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, (Q10:65) and He bestows power and leadership on whomsoever He wills.

I congratulate the Grand Caliph, Sheikh Muhammad Salis Alao Adenekan for being the man he is. I congratulate him for his innate resolve and ability to confront challenges despite the odds. I congratulate him for his victories after many vicissitudes. And I congratulate him for the immense knowledge, wisdom and good character with which he has led the Tijaniyat societies in Yoruba land.

I must also congratulate the author, Gafar Adenekan, whose lucid style of writing has made this biographical work an invaluable book. I commend its reading to all and sundry.

Judge Bola Ajibola (SAN, KBE, D.LITT, LLD, FCI, Arb, FNIALS, CFR)

Former President, World Bank Administrative Tribunal,

Former Judge, International Court of Justice

Acknowledgements

First, I am grateful to Allah for His favour in accomplishing yet another publication. Next, my family: I sincerely thank my mom for her unconditional love and support, and to my siblings: without you, nothing much would have been achieved.

To a wise and great man, Prince Bola Ajibola, I offer my sincere appreciation for agreeing to write a foreword for this book. I also need to acknowledge the support of Chief M. Ola Yusuf, Dr. Maj.Gen. S. A. Awosanya (Rtd), Chief Hamzat Adenekan, Alhaja A. Ajibola, and Alhaji Akeem Ayinde Shoaga. To the first-ever reviewer of this book, Sheikh Murtadha Busoeri (Ph.D), I feel a deep sense of gratitude.

For their thoughts, time, and generosity, I’d like to recognise some prominent members of Supreme Council of Tijaniyat, Ogun State Council of Tijaniyat, Zumfat, Headquarters and Lagos Central: Sheikh Razaq Abu-Bakr Scido, Sheikh Jamiu Olowo, Sheikh Abdul Azeez Abdul Hameed, Sheikh Murtadha Eleduwe, Sheikh Abdul Lateef Ado, Sheikh Abdul Wasiu Salahudeen, Sheikh Sulaiman Ashawe, Sheikh Abu Ologun, Sheikh Abdul Ganiyu Adeboye, Sheikh Khaleefat Murtadha Adebayo Tijani Alajameta (JP), Sheikh Hadji Jamiu Baba (Yemetu), Khaleefat Taofeek Adenekan, Khaleefat Fatai Alagboje, Khaleefat Jeleel Ojoye, Prince Qodri Aderinkola, Khaleefat Ismail Olohungbebe, Ameerat Fadilat Ajoke Oyalowo (of blessed memory), Alhaja Mariam Abioye Yusuf, Alhaja Biobaku, Alhaja Fatmat Oladipupo, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Ojoye, and Alhaji Ishola Adenekan.

Most importantly, the efforts of Dr Daud Oniyide, Khaleefat Usman Salaudeen, Khaleefat Abdul Ahmeed Balogun, Mukadam Hakeem Badru, Mustapha Yusuf, Kikelomo Muhammad, Fadhllulah Olaniyan and Alhaji Miftah Oluwo are profoundly acknowledged.

This humble effort didn’t happen in Nigeria alone; the publication of this book would never have been completed without the help of a few people in London, Manchester, Bedford, Wigan and Leeds, especially when I was knocked by the UK winter. So, a sincere thanks to the team: Sheikh Najeemdeen Al-kubroh, Sheikh Qodri Al-Wajud, Sheikh Musa Tijani Animashaun and his brother Dr. Animashaun, Mukadam Abdul Jeleel and his lovely wife Ummu Fatmat; Mukadam Rafiu Anibaba, Mukadam Tajudeen Otubanjo, (Malaika) Alhaji Lateef Sanusi, Hajiah Monsurat Oloko, Hon. Hakeem Akinoso, Imam Thaoban Lawal, Alhaji Nuraen Adetola, Ustaz Fatai Olanrewaju Raji and Alfa Ibrahim; Ustaz Lukman Abu Roheez, Afolabi and Mariam Oduloju, Kamar Ajibona, Abu Mutteqin, Seyyid Rafiu Amusa and Seyyidat Hamdalat Amusa, Hajiah Mutiat; Hadji Shakirullah Jinad and Hameed Olasumbo Bolarinwa; Alhaja Mojisola Fowewe and Uncle Ade.

My appreciation goes as well to Ajoke Odeyale of the United States, who made concerted efforts to compile the details of the Grand Caliph’s trips to the United States, which unfortunately couldn’t make the printing as the book was already with the publisher.

Also, to my publishing consultant Mary Aguilar, my publishing services associate, April Ross, and all staff of Partridge, South Africa, I say thank you.

To my family, Aderoju, Adewonuola, Adefikayomi and Adesubomi, I offer my unadulterated appreciation for your unconditional love, support and understanding during the time of writing this book. From the bottom of my heart, I love you guys.

Conclusively, I wish to thank everyone who has spent time with and been around the Grand Caliph, who has been of immense support in making this publication a reality; I genuinely appreciate your time, advice, efforts, and concerns.

Preface

When Sheikh Muh Salis Adenekan, the Grand Caliph was facing life-threatening difficulties, some influential and well-connected individuals summoned him to a private meeting. Their goal was to force his hand by giving him a condition. They told him if only he would leave the stage to them and relocate back to Lagos; then he would be liberated in a few days. The Grand Caliph refused to be intimidated by their words and influence. Decisively, he proclaimed, I will rather give up the ghost than give up on my conviction.

That is the epitome of the Grand Caliph. He is a dogged fighter, a visionary leader, and a spiritual master. Above all this, he is a humanitarian activist. He never gives up, in anything, great or small, large or petty. He is a defender of his creed and personal convictions.

The reasons for his greatness are diverse. His remarkable service to humanity is unparalleled. Moreover, he is an architect of several human institutions and a visionary leader.

His life is so full of astonishing experiences and amazing accomplishments that it seems to belong more to the realm of fiction than fact. Truth be told, the average author would have been taxed heavily to capture his essence.

Despite having been an astute observer of his for many years, and knowing I was going to write about him one day, the experience of writing this book has still been quite demanding. I learned some interesting insights in the course of writing the biography. It redefined for me the meaning of struggle, drive, and leadership. However, the challenges of logistics, research, finances, as well as the simple act of getting people committed for interviewing made the work take close to two years to complete.

The book could not have come at a better time than this moment because only three persons are left on earth that could tell the Grand Caliph’s background. In fact, the person with whom he fine-tuned his plans when he arrived in the city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria died a few weeks after I interviewed her.

This book, the Grand Caliph tells the life story of a humble man who lost his father at a young age. He started his primary education later than his peers. Even with these setbacks and the hardship he later faced in life, he carved out a niche for himself and charted a path through the vast wilderness. As a result, he succeeded in insinuating himself into the people’s collective consciousness. He fought every inch of his road through life. Nothing came easily to him. Certainly not the position of the Grand Caliph nor the President of Supreme Council that he would later achieve. How did he achieve these feats through various challenges and difficult moments, you ask? It must first be understood that difficulties and challenges are an inextricable part of life. They cannot be divorced from the realm of human pursuits, in particular for those that aspire to achieve greatness in life.

Truth be told, I do not know of anyone that chooses to be miserable in life. The reason people become entangled in failure is not far-fetched. It is because they walk without a direction or purpose. When they get to a crossroads as they assuredly will, they will have no idea of the next step to take. They will flounder helplessly amidst challenging situations.

It is a truism that most people get to a certain stage in life that conditions become so miserable, puzzling and frustrating, that they will lose the will to continue. At these times they believe the only thing that is reasonable is to withdraw. You must understand that the difference between successful people and miserable ones is this will to continue. Those that record significant achievements in life possess the perseverance to hold on tight amidst turbulent and trying periods. If there is an ideal to aim for, it should be that of an individual who manages difficult situations and people through intelligence and dedication.

If you aspire to resuscitate your power of will or create the ability to forge ahead against all odds, then this book, the Grand Caliph is a must for you. Had the Grand Caliph succumbed to the challenging and difficult situations, even when it seemed reasonable to do so, he would probably be a subject of little historical interest today.

By continuing to do his best, he rose above the fate of the ordinary. He became the Grand Caliph of Ogun state, Nigeria. Before the dust had settled on this achievement, he became the President of Supreme Council of Tijaniyat, South-West, Nigeria. Even as he consolidated his influence, a directive came from Madinah Baye in Kaolack, Senegal and he was honoured as the foremost leader of all Tijaniyat groups in Nigeria (Imam-l-Faedat). The Grand Caliph is also a renaissance man, possessing the wild genius of building something to greatness from scratch.

The Grand Caliph is not just a biography, but a brilliant distillation of the significant insights and fundamental lessons from the rich but troubled life of Sheikh Muh Salisu Adenekan. The book is published to guide people, as well as to help them reflect on and appreciate the defining features of their struggles and existences to fulfil their dreams. It is a practical knowledge of the highest form, only if you will apply it to your circumstances. Remember: events in life mean nothing if you do not sincerely reflect on them. And ideas from books are needless if they would not apply to your life as you live it.

The Grand Caliph is eloquently constructed for easy reading. Reading the whole book will make you appreciate the true purpose of the challenges and problems in the life of a fellow human, and how to manage success in the event you are a leader. Presently, you may find some of the lessons do not pertain directly to your