Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at holds 71st Jalsa Salana in Ogun State

Annual Ahmadiyya gathering in Ogun State brings together delegates from Nigeria, the UK and Equatorial Guinea

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Nigeria’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has called for greater unity among Muslims, renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and stronger moral leadership to address global and national challenges, following the conclusion of its 71st annual Jalsa Salana conference.

The three-day gathering, held between December 19 and 21 at Jamia Ahmadiyyah in Ilaro, Ogun State, drew more than 35,000 delegates from Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Equatorial Guinea, with additional participants joining online, according to a communique issued at the end of the event.

The conference, themed “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided” (Qur’an 3:104), was held under the leadership of Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the Amir and national head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria.

In the communique, participants reaffirmed their belief that reliance on God, unity among Muslims and adherence to moral values remain central to addressing challenges such as insecurity, injustice, economic hardship and environmental pressures.

The gathering also reiterated the Ahmadiyya community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, loyalty to Nigeria and obedience to lawful authority, while rejecting extremism, hatred and religious division.

Six lectures were delivered during the conference by scholars within the Jama’at. Professor Sa’eed Timehin presented the main lecture, titled “Unity is Strength: Lessons from Islamic History as a Guide to Current Global Challenges to the Muslim Ummah,” while Professor Mashhud Adenrele Fashola delivered the final lecture on “Modern-Day Evidence for the Existence of Allah.”

Participants urged Muslims to revive prayer, moral discipline and charitable sacrifice, and to serve as role models for future generations through personal conduct, community service and interfaith engagement.

The conference also highlighted the sacrifices of prominent figures in Ahmadiyya history, including Sir Zafrullah Khan and Syeda Nawab Mubaarakah Begum, describing their lives as enduring examples of faith and selflessness.

In closing, the communique called on members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at to remain loyal to the institution of Khilafat, strengthen bonds of mutual love and contribute to national development through peaceful and lawful means.

Invited guests in attendance included: Oba Dr Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Traditional Rulers;
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Baba Dini of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States;
Rev. Adedigba, representing the Ogun State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Adekunle; Catechist John Akapo, Chairman, CAN Yewa South, Ogun State;
Alhaji Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi, Chief Imam of Ilaro and Secretary-General, Council of Imams and Alfas, Ogun State;
Dr Mikhail Akinde, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro;
Professor Abdul Rahman Abdullahi, Vice-Chancellor, Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State;
Alhaji Fadil Olaniyi Ajadi, Commissioner, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, representing Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi);
Sir Malik Muzaffar Ahmed, Managing Director, Raqeem Press International, London;
Retired Justice Alhaji S.O. Muhammad, former Grand Khadi of Kwara State;
Chief Abdul Kareem Lawal, Eesa of Ikirun Land, alongside 11 traditional chiefs;
Alhaji Alli Ajibote, former Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry and Asiwaju Adini of Yewa Land;
Mr Yinusa Jelili, Area Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ilaro, representing the state commandant;
Dr Abass Abimbade Shuaib, Registrar, Federal College of Agriculture, Moore Plantation, Ibadan;
Dr Akande Kazeem, Member, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru;
Alhaji Ashiyanbi, Chief Imam of Inisa Town, Osun State;
Imam Abdul Rasheed Odutayo, Chief Imam, Odo-Adamo Community Central Mosque, Ayobo, Lagos State;
Oba Buhari Ololade, the Oniwoye of Iwoye Yewa;
Oba Babade Rasheed Lateef, the Obaladi of Afon;
Oba Rotimi Oluseyi Mulero, the Aboro of Ibese Land;
The President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Equatorial Guinea; and a missionary delegation from Equatorial Guinea.

The Jalsa was held under the leadership of Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, Amir (Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at, Nigeria.

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