Sheikh El-Zakzaky Receives Honorary Doctorate of Peace
Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, commonly known as the Shiites, has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate of Peace and Conflict Resolution from an Iranian university.
The renowned Shi’ite leader, who holds the title of Ayatollah, received this prestigious recognition.
A Ceremonial Ceremony and Family Witness
Sheikh El-Zakzaky donned a ceremonial robe to accept the honorary doctorate, and the occasion was witnessed by his family.
The ceremony marked a significant recognition of his contributions to peace and conflict resolution.
Emulating Iran’s Islamic Revolution
Sheikh El-Zakzaky has been a prominent figure in Nigeria for decades, and he founded the Islamic Movement in the 1980s, inspired by Iran’s Islamic revolution, which led to the overthrow of the pro-West monarch, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1979.
His movement advocates for Shi’ite rights and has faced significant challenges and confrontations with Nigerian authorities.
New Passports for El-Zakzaky and His Wife
In another development, Sheikh El-Zakzaky and his wife, Zeenat, were recently issued new International Passports.
This issuance comes years after a court order permitted them to obtain these documents.
The new passports grant them the freedom to travel abroad for medical treatment or other purposes. Sheikh El-Zakzaky confirmed this development during the Eid-ul-Maulud celebration in Abuja, expressing his happiness about receiving the new passports.
Significance of the Honorary Doctorate
The conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Peace and Conflict Resolution on Sheikh El-Zakzaky in Iran underscores his influence and contributions to peace initiatives and conflict resolution, both within Nigeria and on the global stage.
This recognition further solidifies his position as a prominent Islamic cleric and leader.