Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat played host to the 8th Annual Ramadan Public Lecture organised by the Unified Local Government Muslim Staff Association (ULGMSA), Ikorodu Chapter, bringing together Muslim faithful, Islamic scholars, staff members, and community leaders.
The lecture, themed “Between Culture and Deen: Where Do You Draw the Line?”, was organised under the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega.

The programme aimed at promoting ethical conduct and deepening the understanding of Islamic principles among public service staff and members of the community.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Al-Sheikh Yusuf Abdul Kareem Al-Ganmawy, Chief Imam of Misbau Islamic Society of Nigeria, Oreyo, Igbogbo, emphasised the importance of prioritising religious teachings over cultural practices that contradict Islamic beliefs. He urged Muslims to believe firmly in the Holy Qur’an and other revealed books, uphold faith, and avoid stinginess.

The cleric explained that while religion and culture are distinct, Islam does not reject culture entirely. According to him, cultural practices that do not lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) can be accepted, but any tradition linked to idol worship must be avoided.

Using practical examples, Sheikh Al-Ganmawy noted that different cultures have unique forms of dressing, citing the use of Jalabiya in Saudi Arabia and Agbada and other traditional attires among the Yoruba people, stressing that such cultural expressions are permissible as long as they do not contradict Islamic teachings.

He also advised Muslims to maintain positive attitudes toward their leaders and called on men and women to be honest about their character and behaviour before entering marriage. He further cautioned men against deceiving women in relationships, noting that such actions often lead to social challenges including single parenthood.

Also speaking at the event, Sheikh Yahya Oshoala Oloworibi reiterated that cultural practices that do not involve idolatry can be regarded as forms of social expression or entertainment.

However, he warned that any cultural practice associated with idol worship or polytheism constitutes shirk and must be avoided by Muslims.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Prince Adedayo Ladega, commended ULGMSA for sustaining the annual lecture series. He described the initiative as a valuable platform for promoting unity, moral discipline, and responsible service within the public sector and the wider community.

The programme concluded with special prayers for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Ikorodu, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole.