Get Guardian on GoogleLagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, have pledged support for the 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), scheduled to hold on November 15, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The two leaders commended the organisation for its contributions to religious tolerance, interfaith engagement and peaceful coexistence across the South-West.
They made the commitments during separate courtesy visits by a MUSWEN delegation led by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, as part of efforts to mobilise support for the forthcoming assembly.
Sanwo-Olu received the delegation at Lagos House, Marina, where discussions centred on the role of religious institutions in promoting peace and unity, as well as MUSWEN’s activities and preparations for the assembly.
The governor acknowledged the contributions of religious leaders to nation-building and their partnership with the government in promoting an inclusive society.
He assured the delegation that the Lagos State Government would be represented by a high-powered team at the assembly. He also pledged support for MUSWEN’s proposed endowment fund, which is expected to provide long-term financial backing for the organisation’s programmes and projects.
On the request for the reactivation of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Sanwo-Olu said the joint Muslim-Christian platform was already operational in the state and had the active support of his administration.
The governor also sought MUSWEN’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the 2027 general elections.
At a separate meeting with the delegation, Olusi urged Muslims to deepen their understanding of Islamic knowledge, particularly the Qur’an and Hadith, and ensure that religious teachings were properly applied to different aspects of life.
He challenged Islamic scholars to take the lead in promoting research into Islamic teachings and practices, noting that a better understanding of the religion would help strengthen its application in society.
Olusi also called for greater Muslim participation in politics, arguing that religious engagement should not be separated from involvement in the country’s democratic process.
He noted that Prophet Muhammad was both a spiritual and political leader, and urged Muslims to show greater interest in governance and national affairs.
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 Nigeria.
Speaking during the visits, Oladejo reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to religious tolerance, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and nation-building.
He appealed to both leaders to support the assembly through their attendance or representation, as well as moral, logistical and material assistance.
According to him, the gathering will bring together delegates from across the South-West, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other stakeholders to review the organisation’s activities, renew its commitments and determine its strategic direction.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is expected to attend the assembly as Chief Guest of Honour.
A major highlight of the gathering will 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 an endowment fund to strengthen the organisation’s institutional capacity and provide sustainable funding for its activities.
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, and institutional development.
The endowment fund is expected to provide a more reliable source of funding for these activities and reduce the organisation’s dependence on periodic contributions. MUSWEN’s proposed areas of focus reflect its broader plans to strengthen religious education, support community development and improve the welfare of Muslims across the South-West.
Oladejo also congratulated Olusi on his 90th birthday, wishing him good health and continued years of service to humanity.
Members of the delegation included 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.
