* Biography launched in honour of contributions of MUSWEN President
* Ex-Minister, UNILAG Muslim Alumni, scholars, others recount impactful leadership
It was a moment of profound gratitude, reflection and celebration on Sunday June 22, 2025, as distinguished guests from all walks of life gathered at Nawair-Ud-Deen Mosque in the Alagbado area of Lagos State to honour a revered statesman and Islamic leader, Alhaji Rasaki Akanji Oladejo, President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), who clocked a remarkable 80 years of age.
The special prayer, organised by the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria—one of the foremost Islamic organisations in the country—brought together an impressive array of dignitaries including family members, friends, professional colleagues, top government officials, religious scholars, and community leaders.
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The revered Islamic society holds special significance for the celebrator, having served as its National President and Head of Administration before his elevation to the helm of MUSWEN, the umbrella body for Muslim organisations across the South West.
Alhaji Oladejo, a man of deep faith, wisdom, and service, is also currently the Deputy President (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), further highlighting his towering influence within Nigeria’s Islamic leadership.
Muslim News gathered that the mosque grounds radiated with joy and spirituality as prayers were offered in thanksgiving for the life and legacy of the octogenarian.
@muslimnews_NG celebrates MUSWEN President Oladejo at 80 with special edition
Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President of the #Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), marks 80 impactful years of life defined by service, leadership, and a tireless commitment to the growth of Islam. pic.twitter.com/RLThgQQ0mS
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) June 20, 2025
The event was further graced by the presence of his ever-supportive wife, Alhaja Muslimah Oladejo, and his children, including the renowned stockbroker, Alhaja Adetutu Ayantayo. It was a fitting tribute to a man whose life has been marked by integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to faith and community.
Speakers after speaker rose to eulogise Alhaji Oladejo, describing him as a trailblazer, a mentor, and a bridge-builder whose contributions to Islamic education, communal harmony, and national development remain indelible.
From his administrative acumen to his quiet but impactful leadership, the MUSWEN President was celebrated not just for attaining 80 years, but for the legacy of excellence he continues to uphold.
A lecture was delivered by the Deputy National Missioner of the organization, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla, who described the life of Alhaji Oladejo as remarkably successful having achieved so many cherished achievements.
The respected Muslim scholar identified these prized achievements as including knowledge, good health, wealth, influence, and children.
“It is very rare to get to the peak of civil service. Alhaji Oladejo was among the privileged few that ended up as Deputy Directors in their civil service career. He is now at the top leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria serving as Vice President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA). That’s where his foresight, knowledge, and importantly good character has taken him to,” the Missioner said.
Sheikh Ayinla joined family and friends to thank Almighty Allah for the fulfilling life of Alhaji Oladejo.
A former Minister of State for Finance, Alhaji Remi Babalola, who was one of the dignitaries in attendance spoke in glowing terms about the celebrant, saying that he is ever just and fair in his dealings with everybody and all parties.
The former Minister declared that Alhaji Oladejo is a leader with high professional capacity and moral rectitude – worthy of emulation, by those aspiring for resounding success in career and service to humanity.
Also speaking, Mr. Abimbola Abdulazeez, a former colleague of the octogenarian at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) said Alhaji Oladejo was a powerhouse at the organisation, who proffered solutions to many challenges, before he retired
“Then our Director, Alhaji Oladejo led the transition that transformed the Nigerian Stock Exchange from a local market to an international one.
“Two years before 1999, our total turnover was 7.1 billion annually. But after the transition, we moved to 14 billion, and from 14 billion to 28 billion, and to 56 billion. From 56 billion, we jumped to 120 billion, and from there we went to 280 billion. That’s how everyone started knowing Nigerian Stock Exchange globally,” he said.
He narrated how accommodative Alhaji Oladejo was during his service at the NSE, noting he was always ready to share his knowledge and experience.
The National President of Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiyu Balogun, in his opening remarks applauded Alhaji Oladejo, describing him as an unrelenting philanthropist, a passionate helper, and a ceaseless supporter of righteous cause.
Alhaji Balogun further affirmed that his predecessor’s roles in developing and expanding the organization is priceless, hence, the accolades, love, commitment coming from all members to him are well deserving. He prayed to Allah to bless him with more age, milestones and good health.
In a goodwill message, the representative of UNILAG Muslim Alumni (UMA), Alhaji Olanrewaju Bakare, said Alhaji Oladejo is a man of many parts who has contributed significantly to the development of Islam and the nation.
“He is one of our pioneer Presidents at UNILAG Muslim Alumni. He is also a former chairman of the state body and the current chairman of UMA BoT,” he said.
“As far as we are concerned at UNILAG Muslim Alumni, Alhaji Oladejo remains our mentor, leader, and we will continue to count on him. May Allah keep him safe for a longer time.”
Another guest who gave a goodwill message was a classmate of the celebrator identified as Alhaja Rahmatallah Ogunmuyiwa. She recalled the moments when they were in school some 58 years ago in 1967 at a Teachers College.
She noted that Alhaji Oladejo was younger than most of his classmates but was exceptionally brilliant and performed so well in class.
“I recall that he was our Senior Prefect then. His leadership was exemplary. I pray Almighty Allah will reward him abundantly. We are honoured for him to be marking his 80th birthday today. I just want to encourage him to continue on the good note he started with and for which we have known him for long.”
A highlight of the event was the launch of a biography, titled: “Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo @ 80…inspiring strides of a stockbroking icon”, authored by Gbadebo Akinyemi, which chronicled the personality of the octogenarian.
The event was graced by many prominent individuals and Muslim organisations such as the University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) represented by Alhaji Abdul Fatai Lanre Bakare; Alhaji Mikail Mumuni, a veteran journalist and the Chairman of Media and Publicity Committee of MUSWEN; NUDS members and leaders from different branches within and outside Lagos State, among many wishers, religious and community leaders, across the religious faith.
Alhaji Oladejo, FCS, was born 80 years ago in Latoyo’s compound, Oritamerin in Ibadan, Oyo State, south west Nigeria. He began his primary education at Islamic Mission School, Odoye, Ibadan in 1953 and completed it in 1958.
He taught for a few years in Fazl-Omar Ahmadiyya Primary School in Lagos Island before his admission to the University of Lagos in 1971 for an undergraduate degree course in Economics, with Federal Government scholarship. Not surprising, Oladejo graduated in June 1975 with B.Sc. (Hons) Economics, Second Class, Upper Division.
His Public Service Career soared at the Federal Ministry of National Planning. He was the Head of Research Unit in the Macro – Economic Department.
Afterwards, he joined the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and rose to the rank of the Head of Research and Business Advisory Services Department.
Again, he joined the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) after leaving LCCI in August 1989. While at the NSE, he was elevated to the position of Project Director For the Automated Trading System (ATS) – a replacement for Manual Call-Over Trading System.
Alhaji Oladejo’s wide academic exploits, impressive professional background and insatiable quest to work for the upliftment of Ummah projected and properly positioned him to be considered and elected as the President of MUSWEN, a position that accorded him another big cap – the Deputy President – General, (South) Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
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