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Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), has marked his 80th birthday with gratitude to Allah, humility and reflections on a life dedicated to Islamic causes, family, and service to the Muslim community.
Prominent Muslim leaders, accomplished professionals, family and friends gathered at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos over the weekend to celebrate the octogenarian who is widely regarded as a pillar of service to Islam and humanity.
Muslim News recalls that a week earlier, the Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria had organised a special prayer session in honour of the octogenarian, during which heartfelt praises and prayers were offered by various speakers.
At the grand finale held on Sunday, June 29, Alhaji Oladejo, who is also the Deputy President (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), described reaching the age of 80 as nothing short of divine mercy.
“Nobody can predict that they will be 80. Never. It’s the mercy of God. So, I’m grateful to God,” he said, in appreciation to Almighty Allah, during an interview with Muslim News.
Despite a family history of his siblings dying between age 40 and 66, Alhaji Oladejo acknowledged that his longevity is a blessing he never imagined.
“I never knew I would be this old because my elder brother died at the age of 40, my younger sister died at the age of 51, and my elder sister died at the age of 66. That I am able to get to this age, I know it’s the mercy of God.”
He advised fellow Muslims to maintain unwavering faith in Allah, stating that such faith is what sustains people through life’s trials.
“I look at what I would have been spending if I were the type that frequents the hospital every day. I spend that on people, and it gives me joy and happiness,” he said, thankful for his continued good health.
Reflecting on his transformation over the years, Alhaji Oladejo shared how his priorities and lifestyle have shifted significantly.
“I used to attend parties, lots of parties. But this time around, my journey is actually towards the promotion of Islam. So, I don’t think I have attended any function just because I wanted to. The events I attend now are for the propagation of Islam. It’s either I’m following the Sultan of Sokoto to an event or I represent him, or I’m involved in affairs that have to do with the promotion of Islam. Those are the types of events I now attend.”
This focus is also evident in his leadership of MUSWEN – an umbrella body of all Muslims in the southwest region of Nigeria, since his appointment as President in November 2020.
Alhaji Oladejo highlighted the strides made by the organisation under his watch.
“It’s almost four years we took the mantle of leadership of MUSWEN. Our tenure will come to an end next year. Alhamdulillah. We have tried. At least, we have stabilised MUSWEN. Before I came in, MUSWEN was not in a good position. It’s now much better. We are now known. Today, there is hardly a Yoruba man that doesn’t know MUSWEN. It is always in the news for good reasons. I am happy with that. But we can do much better. There will always be room for improvement,” he noted.
I’m grateful to Allah for granting him long life, good health – Wife
Sharing in the joy of the moment was his wife, Alhaja Muslimat Oladejo, who expressed her gratitude to Allah for her husband’s milestone.
As her beloved husband, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, clocked 80 in grace and good health, she could not help but reflect on a lifetime of companionship built on faith, respect, and quiet devotion.
“I’m truly grateful to Allah for granting him long life, good health, and clarity of mind,” she said, her voice laced with warmth and sincerity. “He travels a lot, and it’s mostly for Islamic causes. So I support him with prayers always. Whatever he desires as the head of the family, I follow. When a husband feels supported, when his wishes are respected, it puts him at ease. That peace, I believe, contributes to his wellbeing.”
But what truly holds a marriage together for decades? Her answer was tender yet profound.
“It’s tolerance and patience,” she said without hesitation. “Those two are key. If couples, especially the younger ones, can embrace these virtues, they’ll go far. It’s not always rosy, but with those qualities, and Allah’s help, marriages can endure the tests of time.”
He remains a present father despite busy schedules, says Daughter
Their daughter, Alhaja Adetutu Ayantayo, the first child of the celebrant, spoke fondly of her father’s unwavering support and impact on the family.
“Looking at him attaining 80 years of age is really a pleasure. A lot of people had prayed for this long life, but they didn’t have that opportunity. It’s by the grace of Almighty Allah that he has attained that age. I pray that Allah grants him longer life. We still want to see him around for so long. We pray that he celebrates 90, 100 in good health and sound mind.”
She recalled how he stepped in to tutor her personally after a poor academic performance.
“When I did my first school cert, and my result was so woeful, he said he would take it upon himself to teach me. When I sat the exam again, I did so well. People could not believe that the same person that failed woefully could do that well.”
Despite his busy schedule, she said, he remained a present and dependable father.
“Despite being very busy, he still had time for the family, the children, extended family, and everyone.”
Reflecting on what she learned from growing up under his guidance, she emphasised his values:
“I took generosity from him. He’s devoted to Islam, and I took that from him as well. I actually took a lot of things from him, but most importantly is his dedication to Islam. I wish him longevity of life. He is looking much more agile and younger. May Allah continue to grant him good health.”
Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo’s 80th birthday is more than a celebration of age – it is a celebration of a legacy built on faith, discipline, integrity, and unwavering service to Islam and society. Read the full story HERE and HERE.
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