South-West Muslims seek Ondo backing for MUSWEN General Assembly, NIREC chapter

* Oladejo calls for stronger interfaith dialogue, governor’s participation in November 15 gathering

The Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has appealed to the Ondo State Government to support the establishment of a state chapter of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to strengthen interfaith dialogue and prevent religious conflicts.

The organisation also sought the government’s support for its 11th General Assembly scheduled for November 15 at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall.

The requests were made on Tuesday when MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, led a delegation to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, during a courtesy visit.

Oladejo, who is also the Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), said the proposed NIREC chapter would provide a platform for Muslim and Christian leaders to resolve misunderstandings, address emerging disputes and promote peaceful coexistence at the grassroots.

He explained that NIREC has 60 members, equally representing the Muslim and Christian communities, and is co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, who is President-General of the NSCIA, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

According to Oladejo, NIREC Executive Secretary, Professor Muibi Opeloye, is prioritising the establishment of state chapters to strengthen interfaith engagement. The proposed Ondo chapter would comprise 14 members, with seven representatives each from the Muslim and Christian communities.

Oladejo urged Aiyedatiwa to facilitate the necessary administrative arrangements, saying the initiative would complement existing efforts to promote religious harmony and prevent conflicts.

MUSWEN commends governor over Ikare mosque crisis

Oladejo commended Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s intervention in resolving a crisis that affected the Ikare-Akoko Muslim community for more than three years and led to the closure of its central mosque.

He said MUSWEN’s Mediation and Reconciliation Committee had visited Ikare to mediate in the dispute, with support from the Commissioner for Local Government and the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, before the state government intervened to resolve the crisis.

Assembly to address challenges facing Muslims

Speaking on the forthcoming General Assembly, Oladejo said the gathering would bring together Muslim leaders, Islamic scholars and community representatives from across the South West to discuss issues affecting Muslims and the wider society.

He said deliberations would focus on strengthening Muslim unity and cooperation, as well as developing responses to economic hardship, insecurity and youth unemployment.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the state government and the Muslim community in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, poverty reduction and economic inclusion.

Aiyedatiwa promises support

Responding, Aiyedatiwa thanked the delegation and promised to support MUSWEN’s forthcoming General Assembly. He also said his administration would give favourable consideration to the request for a state chapter of NIREC.
The governor commended the Ondo State Muslim community for maintaining peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths.

The delegation included MUSWEN Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Deputy President II, Alhaji Wale Sonaike; Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas; NIREC Executive Secretary, Professor Muibi Opeloye; other MUSWEN officials; leaders of the Ondo State Muslim Community; and Islamic scholars.

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