* Oladejo leads South-West Muslim leaders to Sanwo-Olu, seeks government backing for regional assembly
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has pledged government support for the forthcoming 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), while also soliciting the support of Muslims for President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
The governor hosted the leadership of the South-West Muslim community at Lagos House, Marina, where discussions centred on Muslim participation in governance, religious harmony, institutional development and preparations for the November 15 assembly.
The meeting was part of MUSWEN’s ongoing consultations with state governments and other stakeholders across the South-West to mobilise support for the forthcoming General Assembly. The organisation had earlier visited Ekiti State and is expected to extend the consultations to Ogun and other states in the region.
Sanwo-Olu, who received the delegation led by MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, assured the Muslim leaders that Lagos State would be represented by a high-powered delegation at the assembly scheduled to hold at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall, Oyo State.
He also pledged support for MUSWEN’s proposed endowment fund, designed to provide sustainable financial backing for its programmes, projects and long-term institutional development.
The governor commended the organisation for its contributions to interfaith engagement, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the South-West. He also acknowledged the role of religious leaders in nation-building and their partnership with the government in promoting an inclusive and harmonious society.
Sanwo-Olu seeks Muslim support for Tinubu
Beyond the forthcoming assembly, the governor solicited MUSWEN’s support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.
On the request for the reactivation of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Sanwo-Olu explained that the joint Muslim-Christian platform was already functioning in the state and enjoying the active support of his administration.
The MUSWEN delegation also paid a separate courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, at his office in Ebute Metta.
Olusi used the occasion to challenge Muslim scholars to deepen research into Islamic knowledge, particularly the Qur’an and Hadith, and take the lead in promoting a proper understanding and application of Islamic teachings in all aspects of human endeavour.
He noted that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was not only a spiritual leader but also a political leader, urging Muslims to demonstrate greater interest in politics and actively participate in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The GAC chairman cautioned against political apathy and encouraged Muslims to support the present administration in its efforts to deliver good governance.
He also urged MUSWEN to organise special prayers for peaceful, credible and successful elections in the country.
Oladejo seeks support for November 15 assembly
Speaking during the engagements, Oladejo reaffirmed MUSWEN’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, mutual respect and nation-building.
He appealed to the two Lagos leaders for their participation and support, including attendance or representation, as well as moral, logistical and material assistance towards the successful hosting of the 11th General Assembly.
The MUSWEN president explained that the assembly would bring together delegates from across the South-West, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders to review the organisation’s activities, renew commitments and chart a strategic direction for the advancement of Muslims in the region.
He disclosed that the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, would attend as the Chief Guest of Honour.
One of the major highlights of the gathering, he added, would be the planned transfer of leadership to the current Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti.
Oladejo also briefed the two leaders on MUSWEN’s capital projects and its plans to establish a sustainable endowment fund to strengthen the organisation’s institutional capacity and support its long-term programmes.
He said the proposed fund would support Islamic education, youth development, welfare programmes for vulnerable members of society, capacity building for Imams and Islamic scholars, as well as institutional development.
The MUSWEN president also congratulated Prince Olusi on his 90th birthday anniversary, wishing him continued good health and more years of service to humanity.
Other members of the delegation included MUSWEN Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti; Deputy President II, Alhaji Thabit ‘Wale Sonaike; Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abass; Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy; and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee, Alhaji Mikail Mumuni, among others.
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