A Durbar of chiefs has been held in honour of the National Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheik Alhaji Usman Nuhu Sharabutu’s two-day historic homecoming to his ancestral home in Soro in the Upper Axim Traditional Area.
The historic visit, the first of its kind, brought together the clergy, paramount chiefs and other sub-chiefs in full regalia seated to welcome the Muslim Spiritual Leader to his ancestral home.
A committee, made up of the maternal family of Sheik Alhaji Usman Nuhu Sharabutu, together with the Office of the Chief Imam, planned the historic visit, which also saw the Chief Imam perform a sod-cutting for the building of the Islamic University in Axim..
Other members of the committee included Obaahema Ezak Nkrumah II, granddaughter to the Chief Imam, Ebusuapayin Nunuah Kaw of Nkroful, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Omanhene of Lower Axim, and Sheikh Muzu amongst other members.
The Paramount Chief of the Axim Traditional Council, Awulae Attibrukusu III, Awulae Amihere Kpanyile III of Eastern Nzema, and Awulae Angamatuo Gyan of Ajomoro led their sub-chiefs to the durbar in honour of the Sheikh Sharabutu.
Obaahema Nana Abiema III, Queenmother of Upper Dixcove, also led other sub-chiefs from the paramountcy to grace the homecoming.
A Guard of Honour by cadets of the by Senior High Schools in Axim was mounted to welcome Sheik Alhaji Usman Nuhu Sharabutu.
The entourage of the Chief Imam included Sheikh Armiyao Shaibu, Spokesperson, Chief Sidik Gimala, Paramount Chief of Wangara, Greater Accra, Sheikh Ridwan Suleiman, Member of the Advisory Council, Alhaji Abdul Latif Abdul Salam, Protocol Director, Zongo Chief of Songhai in the Western Region, Zadik Zanua, and Zongo Chief of Half Assini amongst others.
The clergy, on the other hand, were led by Archbishop Gabriel Palmer Buckle welcomed the National Chief Imam to the durbar, with Awulae Attibrukusu III describing the visit as historic.
In describing the Chief Imam as a true icon, Attibrukusu pointed out that he contribution to preach peace during and after elections, which, most particularly, was very much appreciated. “You have demonstrated that you are capable of bringing both Muslim and Christians to live together in peace.”
Attibrukusu, who chaired the durbar of chiefs, said he was revered with such an honour to chair the durbar hosting the historic visit of the National Chief Imam.
He, however, used the occasion to remind the Chief Imam of the need to build the Islamic University on his ancestral home, Axim.
Such infrastructure, he said, would be a living testimony and legacy of the Chief Imam, and that he, as Paramount Chief, was ready to provide land for the project.
Sheikh Abdel Wahib, Regional Chief Imam, also welcoming the National Chief Imam and said they had looked forward for the historic visit, and were glad the Chief Imam could make it.
He said the homecoming of His Eminence was a religious duty in the Quran.
Archbishop Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, who is a native of Axim, said it was a great joy to have the National Chief Imam come from Axim. “This is not the first; I have been here, but I never dreamt Chief Imam is also a family member coming from Nzema.”
Addressing the durbar, Sheikh Alhaji Usman Nuhu Sharabutu expressed his excitement in making it to his ancestral home.
He said the last time he was here in his hometown was 40 years ago as a family member. This historic visit, the National Chief Imam said, would be the foundation of the strong relationship that had existed between Muslims and Christians.
Expressing his appreciation for the honour done him, he prayed for the chiefs and clergy to be honoured just as they had done for him.
