110-year-old Nigerian urges leaders to embrace selfless service

Sheik Saludeen Omoyele, a 110-year-old community leader and the Asiwaju of Iraye Remo in Ogun State, Nigeria, has issued a strong call to individuals in privileged positions, particularly the ruling class. He urged them to prioritize selfless service as a means to improve the lives of Nigerians and advance the nation.

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I am surprised myself that I am still alive to celebrate 110 years birthday. I thought I would have gone five or six years ago because I believed that I had lived long enough, but because it is still the wish of God, I am still very much alive.

Omoyele shared his thoughts with journalists during a special prayer ceremony organized by his family and the Muslim community to mark his remarkable milestone birthday. He stressed that people must recognize that their positions are not self-made but are instead divine opportunities that should be utilized for the collective benefit of the populace. He reminded them of their eventual accountability before God.

Believed to be the oldest living person in Ogun State, Omoyele expressed his own surprise at reaching 110 years. "I am surprised myself that I am still alive to celebrate 110 years birthday," he stated. "I thought I would have gone five or six years ago because I believed that I had lived long enough, but because it is still the wish of God, I am still very much alive." He noted that out of his original age group, only two individuals remain alive.

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This is why everyone must know that whatever position you find yourself in is by God and should be used to serve the people and make the world better. Our political leaders must also imbibe this lesson; they are not occupying their positions by their own power, but because it pleases God, so they must be ready to serve with the fear of God, because they will certainly receive their rewards when the time comes.

Expressing deep gratitude to Allah for his mercy, Omoyele credited his longevity to divine will and the care he received. He reflected on his life, stating, "This is why everyone must know that whatever position you find yourself in is by God and should be used to serve the people and make the world better." He specifically addressed political leaders, urging them to serve with the fear of God, as their rewards will come in due time.

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My philosophy in life is: do unto others as you also want others to do unto you; what you cannot wish for your children, don’t wish others.

Omoyele's guiding philosophy is the Golden Rule: "do unto others as you also want others to do unto you." His 77-year-old son, Muraina Omoyele, described his father's longevity as a divine gift and a testament to his character as an amazing community leader and repository of knowledge, known for his truthfulness and loving nature.

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My father’s longevity is divine. I don’t think I can attribute it to anything other than the absolute will of Almighty God, and we are all grateful for that because he remains an amazing community leader and repository of knowledge.