Eminent jurists including two former Grand Kadi of Kwara State, Justices Idris Haroon and Solihu Muhammed, yesterday extolled the virtues of the pioneer Grand Kadi of Kwara State, the late Justice AbdulKadir Orire.

Other speakers at the event included Professors Badamas Yusuf and Ibrahim Abikan and the Amir of MSSN in the state, Mal AbdulRahman AbdulMumin.

They spoke at the 2nd annual symposium organised by the Muslims Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in collaboration with Hijrah Islamic Organisation in honour of Justice Orire held at the FOMWAN Hall, Ilorin.

The symposium was themed; “ Baba Orire: The Connecting Rod Between The Past And Present Da'wah Activism.”

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Idris Haroon described the late Justice Orire as an exemplary leader who dedicated his life to the promotion of Islam and righteous deeds.

He said Justice Orire abhorred corruption in all ramifications and would not accept anything outside his official entitlements during his tenure as the Grand Kadi of the state.

“Justice Orire was a highly distinguished personality who lived a constructive life with scheme and purpose. If this Nigeria is a country that gives importance to eminent scholars who spent their lives to impact on others, Justice Orire should have been immortalised.

“Justice Orire was a father, mentor, builder and jurist par excellence whose lifetime was full of positive and inspiring lessons,” Haroon stated.

In his remarks, Justice Solihu Muhammed, corroborated Haroon as he described Orire as a father figure and role model.

One of the guest speakers, Prof Badamas Yusuf, enjoined participants at the event to seek knowledge before embarking on the propagation of Islam.

He urged them to also use wisdom in applying their knowledge about Islam in propagating the religion, adding that “the propagation work should be gradual and should be done with patience as Justice Orire did during his lifetime.”

In his lecture, Prof Ibrahim Abikan, recalled how Justice Orire influenced the introduction of Shari'a law as a part of Law Study at the University of Ilorin.

He urged the clerics undertaking the propagation of Islam to shun making derogatory statement about the people of other faith if they are desirous of winning more souls for Islam.

Earlier, the Amir of MSSN, Kwara Area, Malam AbdulRahman AbdulMumin, said: “Today, we unite to celebrate the life of a true icon of the Ummah, the late Hon. Justice AbdulKadir Orire. His selfless dedication to serving the Ummah has left an indelible mark on our hearts. Baba Orire was more than a jurist, he was a connecting rod between the past and the present, bridging the wisdom of yesterday with the challenges of today.

“In his lifetime, Baba Orire exemplified commitment to the service of Islam, humility, and unwavering faith. His legacy stands as a testament to the values we hold dear as a community. He not only interpreted the law but lived a life that embodied justice and compassion,” AbdulMumin said.