…Raises alarm over threat to Arabic, Islamic Studies in public schools
The Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) has appointed His Royal Majesty, Prof. Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu, as its new President-General.
The announcement was made in a communiqué signed by the Secretary-General of the Council, Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde (Esq.), following its general meeting held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at the Crescent Muslim Professionals Hall, Leme, Abeokuta.
The well-attended meeting featured participation from traditional rulers, scholars, and Muslim stakeholders across the four divisions of the state; Egba, Ijebu, Yewa, and Remo.
Muslim News gathered that Oba Matemilola takes over from the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, who returned to his Creator, Allah, on July 13, 2025, after decades of impactful leadership and devoted service to the Muslim community in Ogun State.
In his acceptance remarks, he called for unity among Muslims in the state, urging the faithful to rise above ethnic divisions and embrace brotherhood.
He promised to collaborate with stakeholders to promote Islamic institutions and tackle the growing threats facing Arabic and Islamic education.
OMC, the largest Muslim umbrella body in the state, also raised serious concern over the continued decline of Arabic and Islamic Studies in public schools, warning that the subjects face possible extinction if urgent action is not taken.
The Council condemned the arbitrary redeployment of qualified Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers to schools where their expertise is underutilized.
Asiwaju Akintunde described the trend as a major threat to Islamic literacy and the moral development of Muslim students.
The Council resolved to collaborate with the Union of Arabic Teachers to engage relevant education authorities in reversing the redeployments and filling existing vacancies.
It further urged the Ogun State Government to prioritise the recruitment of more Arabic and Islamic Studies teachers, while encouraging Muslim professionals to pursue careers in the disciplines and contribute to public education.
“If left unaddressed, this neglect will undermine the moral and religious foundation of future generations,” the Council warned.
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