Promises education reforms, economic empowerment as Oladejo completes six-year tenure marked by infrastructure development, scholarships and humanitarian interventions.
The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has entered a new chapter of leadership with the emergence of Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, FCA, as its new President, succeeding Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, FCS, whose six-year tenure ended at the organisation’s 11th General Assembly in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Muslim News gathered that the new leadership team also includes Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, FCIB, as Deputy President I and Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba, FCA, as Deputy President II.
The transition, which brought together some of the country’s most influential Muslim leaders, traditional rulers, government officials and professionals, was marked by calls for stronger institutions, improved educational opportunities, financial sustainability and greater participation of Muslims in national development.
In his acceptance speech, Ebiti described his new responsibility as an amanah (sacred trust), pledging to build an inclusive, transparent and accountable administration that would prioritise the welfare and advancement of Muslims across the six South-West states.
The assembly, held on Sunday, November 15, at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Auditorium, also provided an opportunity for the outgoing president to present his administration’s scorecard, including its financial performance, infrastructure projects, educational interventions and efforts to resolve disputes within Muslim communities.
Ebiti outlines vision, promises education opportunities
Addressing delegates after his emergence, the new MUSWEN President said leadership of the Muslim Ummah should not be regarded as a status symbol or an avenue for personal gratification.
“Leadership in the service of the Ummah is not a status symbol or an opportunity for personal gratification. It is an amanah, a trust for which we shall all give account before Almighty Allah,” he declared.
Ebiti called for collective responsibility, urging members, state Muslim communities, Islamic organisations and other stakeholders to support his administration.
He emphasised the need to combine sound Islamic scholarship with excellence in contemporary professional fields, including science, medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics.
The new president also pledged to deepen partnerships with Islamic universities, including Crescent University, Fountain University, Al-Hikmah University and Summit University, to expand scholarships, teacher training and digital literacy programmes.
Declaring that financial circumstances should not deprive talented children of educational opportunities, he said, “Poverty must never block a talented child.”
He particularly identified indigent students, girls and persons with disabilities as groups requiring greater attention.
On economic empowerment and social welfare, Ebiti promised to strengthen the MUSWEN Endowment Fund and improve the administration of Zakat and Waqf to enable beneficiaries to move from dependency to sustainable livelihoods.
He also urged Muslims to participate actively and peacefully in the 2027 general elections by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), while rejecting vote-buying, hate speech and electoral violence.
On security, he condemned terrorism, kidnapping and mob justice, expressing support for intelligence-driven, constitutionally grounded decentralised policing and sustained interfaith harmony across the South-West.
Oladejo presents six-year scorecard, leaves ₦437m endowment fund
Earlier, the outgoing president, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, used his valedictory address to review the achievements and challenges of his administration, which began in November 2020.
He disclosed that MUSWEN’s Endowment Fund, launched in September 2022, had grown to ₦437 million as of October 21, 2026.
Oladejo expressed confidence that the incoming administration could build on the achievement and grow the fund to ₦1 billion.
He also disclosed that the organisation recorded a surplus of ₦52.963 million in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 19 per cent from the ₦44.443 million recorded in 2024.
The outgoing president attributed the progress to members’ financial contributions, prudent management and investments, expressing appreciation to individuals and organisations that supported MUSWEN throughout his tenure.
On infrastructure, he highlighted the modernisation of the organisation’s headquarters at 46, Iwo Road, Ibadan, the development of Taibat Ali Mall at Agbeni, Ibadan, and the reconstruction of its donated property at Lugbe, Abuja.
He also reported progress on the organisation’s Agodi GRA property in Ibadan, where land had been secured, fenced and provided with a gatehouse, with plans to develop a new headquarters and explore income-generating partnerships.
Oladejo further highlighted MUSWEN’s humanitarian intervention following the 2024 Borno flood disaster, when the organisation mobilised ₦50 million to support affected communities.
On education, he announced that 12 female medical students, representing the six South-West states, would benefit from the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Student Scholarship Scheme.
He added that MUSWEN planned to award 120 bursaries to deserving students in 2027, with a long-term ambition of increasing the number to 600 annually.
The outgoing president also highlighted the organisation’s mediation efforts in Muslim community disputes in Inisha, Osun State; Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State; and Lagos Central Mosque, stressing the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in preserving the unity of the Ummah.
In his closing remarks, Oladejo urged members to extend the same cooperation and support to the new leadership, stressing that the responsibility of building a stronger MUSWEN belonged to everyone.
He formally handed over the leadership to Ebiti, with Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, FCIB, emerging as Deputy President I and Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba, FCA, as Deputy President II.
Alhaji Sonaike, who was Deputy President II, was elevated to Deputy President I, while Alhaji Ekungba, emerged as the new Deputy President II, following the organisation’s leadership succession arrangement.
Babalakin advocates grassroots funding
The Chairman of the MUSWEN Board of Trustees, Dr Wale Babalakin, SAN, also challenged members to take greater ownership of the organisation’s financial sustainability rather than depending predominantly on wealthy philanthropists.
Drawing from his experience in mobilising funds for his alma mater, where alumni reportedly raised ₦5 billion through modest but consistent contributions, Babalakin encouraged Muslims to adopt a similar approach.
He urged members to consider monthly standing orders of ₦1,000, ₦2,000 or ₦5,000, explaining that collective contributions could provide a reliable financial foundation for the organisation.
“Waiting for the big donors, they may have donor fatigue, and you may not get all the money you require,” he cautioned.
He stressed that transparency and accountability were essential to encouraging members to contribute towards the growth and sustainability of MUSWEN.
Sultan pledges closer NSCIA partnership with new MUSWEN leadership
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, pledged a stronger working relationship between the NSCIA and MUSWEN under the leadership of Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti.
Recalling his longstanding association with MUSWEN, the Sultan said he had consistently attended the organisation’s General Assembly since 2008.
“Since 2008, whenever I come for the MUSWEN General Assembly, I don’t miss it,” he said.
He expressed confidence that his relationship with Ebiti, who had previously attended NSCIA activities, would further strengthen cooperation between the two organisations.
“Now that he has become the President of MUSWEN, I believe we will work better together,” the Sultan said.
He also commended the outgoing president, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, for strengthening MUSWEN and maintaining a cordial relationship with the NSCIA.
“I want to commend the outgoing President for the way he has uplifted the office and for maintaining a good relationship with the Supreme Council,” he said.
The Sultan congratulated MUSWEN on the successful hosting of its 11th General Assembly, describing the gathering as another important milestone for the organisation.
Dignitaries, Muslim leaders attend assembly
The assembly attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni; the NSCIA Secretary-General and former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, CON; former Minister of Communications, Barrister AbdulRaheem Adebayo Shittu; and the Galadiman Garin Sokoto, His Royal Highness Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru Galadanci.
Also present were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom and President-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola; the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Chancellor of Lagos State University, Oba Folarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo; and other traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, Muslim leaders and delegates from the six South-West states.
Other attendees included the Executive Director of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Lakin Akintola; the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Abdu Ibrahim; and the Vice-Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, Professor Aibinu, who attended with members of the university’s management team.
Also in attendance were Alhaji Liadi Tella, Asiwaju Musulumi of Iwoland and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Iwo; the Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde; and the President of the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), Hassan Fajimite, Esq., who led members of his executive council.
The President of the Muslim Community of Lagos State, Hon. Muhammad Danmole, also attended with members of his executive council, alongside Imam Nojeem Jimoh and members of his team, representatives of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), other Islamic scholars and Muslim leaders.
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, was represented by the Chairman of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Engr. Adam Zikrullah Chandy, while Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde was also represented.
Sponsored
Sponsored
Nigerian Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Global Muslim Personalities of the Year 2024/2025
Discover more from Muslim News Nigeria
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.