* Associates, friends commend process, hail his leadership qualities
One of Nigeria’s foremost Muslim organisations, Anwar-ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, concluded its 2025 Annual Conference with a grand turbaning and merit award ceremony on Sunday, November 2, at Jubril Martins Memorial High School, Iponri, Lagos.
The three-day event, which commenced on Thursday, featured a range of activities, including the formal turbaning of the new National Chief Imam/Missioner, Sheikh Musliudeen Adebola Afisi, and the conferment of a Merit Award on the outgoing National President, Alhaji Mubashir Ojelade.
Speaking after receiving the award, Alhaji Ojelade expressed deep gratitude to Almighty Allah and appreciated all stakeholders for the successful execution of the conference.
“From Thursday through Sunday, all the activities were well-attended and smoothly executed. I thank Allah, the conference and turbaning committees, our esteemed guests, and leaders from the Muslim community who honoured the event,” he said.
Reflecting on his nine-year tenure, Alhaji Ojelade noted key achievements, particularly in education. “Our secondary schools are now in a much better state. We’ve taken bold steps, and I believe the next administration will surpass us,” he stated.
He prayed for the success of the new leadership and expressed optimism that they would not only consolidate on existing progress but also explore new frontiers, including the possible establishment of a university.
New Imam vows to uphold Islamic values
The newly appointed National Chief Imam and Missioner of the 109-year-old movement reflected a deep sense of humility and responsibility over his elevation, describing it as overwhelming and unexpected.
Addressing hundreds of members and guests at his official turbaning ceremony held in Lagos, he said, “As the Imam and Missioner, I feel overwhelmed. This isn’t a moment for celebration yet – not until one delivers effectively in the role. I stand between hope and anxiety.”
The respected Imam added that he never imagined himself becoming an Imam. “I didn’t attend Islamic school with that intention. Even when the idea came up, I rejected it several times. But ultimately, Allah’s will prevailed.”
“I pray that, by Allah’s Mercy, I will be granted the strength and capacity to fulfil this duty. It’s a heavy responsibility, and while I’m naturally anxious, I pray that Allah strengthens me to exceed expectations.”
Decades of service
Sheikh Adebola Afisi recounted his long-standing service in the organisation, saying he was born into the movement and had served in several capacities, including as personal assistant to the immediate past Imam and pioneer secretary of the Hajj Committee in the 1990s.
“I remained active within the missionary body for almost two decades before work took me out of Lagos. Now that I am back, I thank Allah for this opportunity to serve,” he said.
On the selection process, he noted that it was guided strictly by Islamic principles. “Candidates must be well-grounded in Arabic and Islamic studies. I studied at Morkaz Zulikha Abiola Arabic & Islamic Studies Centre, Abeokuta (1984 – 1991), and I hold a degree in Arabic, English and Literature from the Lagos State University.”
Muslim News also gathered that Sheikh Adebola Afisi is a certified Human Resources professional, an added strength to his profile.
According to the new Imam, leadership in Islam is about character, service, and emulation. “The organisation was looking for someone whose life and service speak to the ideals of Islam. It is only by Allah’s will that I was considered worthy,” he said.
Outlines vision, urges unity, accountability
Sheikh Adebola Afisi outlined his vision for the organisation while speaking with Muslim News, emphasizing strict adherence to Islamic teachings while advising unity within the Muslim Ummah and sincerity in governance.
He said his mission is not to introduce anything new to the faith but to uphold what Islam already prescribes in line with the Qur’an and Hadith of the Prophet (SAW).
According to him, There is nothing new. Islam is complete and has been complete for centuries. My role is to ensure that our members align with the dictates of the Qur’an and that Islam is practised in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah – no more, no less.
On his message to the Muslim community, he urged unity and the avoidance of division based on tribe, race or sectarian differences.
“The Ummah must avoid bigotry and ethnic sentiments. In Islam, we are all equal before Allah. The only distinction is taqwa (God-consciousness). We must live our lives according to the scripture, and let people see the beauty of Islam not just in our words but in our actions,” he noted.
He offered a strong reminder to government officials about the true essence of leadership, stressing that power must be used in service of the people.
“Public office is a trust from Allah, not an opportunity for personal gain. Leaders must prioritise the welfare of the people at all times. When they govern with sincerity and selflessness, Allah will bless their efforts and open unexpected doors of success. The people must always come first, he noted.
Associates, friends hail his leadership qualities
Close associates and colleagues of the newly appointed National Chief Imam described him as a morally upright, intelligent and visionary leader who is capable of taking the society to greater heights.
In an interview with Muslim News, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Abdul Razzaq Jumah, a former student of Morkaz Zulikha Abiola recounted his experiences with the new Imam as a senior, mentor and pioneer leader of the alumni association.
“Sheikh Afisi was my senior by one year. He was an exemplary student, indefatigable and outstanding, both academically and morally. During breaks, I would often visit him to share from his wealth of experience and blessings. He was admired by both students and teachers,” he said.
Alhaji Jumah, who succeeded him as National President of the alumni body, noted that Sheikh Afise served as the pioneer President between 2000 and 2004, leading with excellence before voluntarily stepping down due to a professional posting to Kano.
Why new Imam was chosen through Shurah process: Committee member
A member of the selection committee, Alhaji Shamsideen Alade Ganiu, expressed confidence in the appointment, describing the new Imam as an excellent choice made through the Islamic consultation process known as shurah.
“I thank Almighty Allah for being part of the committee that appointed him. His background and knowledge are outstanding, and I’ve seen that he fears no one except Allah. I’m always grateful to be among those who made this important decision,” he said.
Speaking on the criteria used in the selection process, Alhaji Ganiu noted that beyond academic and religious qualifications, the committee considered personal conduct and family background. “You may have all the certificates, but your relationship with your family, especially how you treat your wife, matters significantly. These are values we examined closely,” he noted.
He further revealed that although the new Imam initially ranked third in the early stages, subsequent assessments brought him to the top. “It became clear through further interviews that he was best suited for the role,” he added.
Chairman Lagos Ummah commends process
President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS), Hon. Oyinlomo Sikiru Danmole praised the Movement for the transparent and rigorous process used in appointing its new national Chief Imam.
Danmole, a former Commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos, represented the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat at the event and also attended in his capacity as the President of MCLS.
He said, “The selection process was commendable. It went through a thorough and credible shurah (consultation), and at the end, even the contenders agreed that the best person was chosen.”
Hon Danmole also urged Muslim parents to prioritize Islamic education for their children. “We must guide our children with Islamic values; they are the future leaders, and what we instill in them today will shape tomorrow.”
The President of the Lagos State Muslim Community further encouraged members of the Movement to support the new Chief Missioner and the executive council to enable them to succeed in their roles.
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