By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The legacy of Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory, the revered Islamic scholar and founder of Markaz, Agege, Lagos, continues to resonate in Nigeria’s religious and political landscape. His spiritual insights and the recent prophetic prayer by his son and successor, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, have further cemented the influence of Markaz in contemporary Islamic affairs.
Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, during his lifetime, was known for his deep spiritual knowledge and foresight. One of his most remarkable prophecies, made decades ago, was his prediction that Muhammadu Buhari would return to power after being ousted as Nigeria’s military head of state in 1985. Buhari, who initially ruled from December 31, 1983, to August 27, 1985, was overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida. However, Sheikh Adam’s words came to fruition 30 years later when Buhari won the 2015 presidential election, marking a dramatic comeback to lead Nigeria as a democratic president.
In a similar display of spiritual authority, Sheikh Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, the current Mudir-l-Markaz (Head of Markaz), recently made a supplication regarding the political fate of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa had been removed from his position by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers, with only three members standing by him. However, against all odds, he was reinstated after a tense political struggle—a development many now link to Sheikh Habibullah’s prayer.
The sequence of events has further reinforced Markaz’s reputation as not just an esteemed Arabic and Islamic school but also a center of spiritual guidance with far-reaching impact. Many Islamic scholars and faithful believe these instances underscore the divine favor associated with the institution and its leaders.
Observers within Nigeria’s Islamic community argue that such moments should inspire religious scholars to move beyond mere displays of opulence—symbolized by grand turbans and flowing robes—and focus instead on sincere spiritual interventions that bring tangible results for individuals, communities, and the nation at large.
“Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory was undoubtedly a Walihiy-Lahi (a friend of Allah), and his son, Sheikh Habibullah, has shown that he is also a man of immense spiritual depth,” said a Markaz alumnus who preferred anonymity. “Rather than competition and superiority battles among Islamic clerics, prayers and supplications should be the focus, as demonstrated by the Al-Ilorys.”
As Nigeria grapples with socio-political and economic challenges, the call for religious leaders to prioritize spiritual impact over titles and prestige continues to gain traction. With Markaz Agege’s growing influence, many are watching to see how its legacy will shape Nigeria’s religious and political discourse in the years to come.
