Aiyedatiwa Backs Ondo NIREC Chapter, MUSWEN General Assembly
Governor pledges support for MUSWEN’s November gathering, promises favourable consideration for proposed 14-member interfaith council
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has promised to support the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN)’s forthcoming 11th General Assembly and give favourable consideration to its request for a state chapter of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).
Aiyedatiwa gave the assurances on Tuesday when MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, led a delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the governor.
The proposed NIREC chapter would comprise 14 members, with seven representatives each from the Muslim and Christian communities, providing a platform for interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding and conflict prevention at the grassroots.
Oladejo, who is also the Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), appealed to the governor to support the establishment of the chapter through appropriate administrative arrangements.
He said the initiative would enable Muslim and Christian leaders to address misunderstandings, resolve emerging concerns and prevent religious disputes from escalating.
According to Oladejo, one of the priorities of NIREC’s newly appointed Executive Secretary, Professor Muibi Opeloye, is to establish chapters across the states of the federation to strengthen interfaith engagement at the community level.
He said the proposed Ondo chapter would complement existing religious organisations and government institutions by providing a structured platform for dialogue and early intervention in potential disputes.
Oladejo added that the initiative would demonstrate the state government’s commitment to religious freedom, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
MUSWEN seeks support for November assembly
Oladejo also sought the Ondo State Government’s support for MUSWEN’s 11th General Assembly, scheduled for November 15 at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall.
He described the gathering as an important forum for Muslim leaders, Islamic scholars and community representatives from across the South-West to deliberate on issues affecting Muslims and the wider society.
He said the assembly would provide an opportunity to strengthen unity among Muslims, deepen cooperation among constituent organisations and develop practical responses to challenges including economic hardship, insecurity and youth unemployment.
Oladejo expressed hope that Aiyedatiwa would participate in activities surrounding the assembly as his schedule permitted.
He also called for sustained collaboration between the state government and the Muslim community in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, poverty reduction and economic inclusion.
According to him, regular consultations between government officials and Muslim leaders would help address community concerns and enable religious organisations to contribute to public policy and development.
He stressed the importance of investment in education, vocational training and skills acquisition to prepare young people for productive lives, adding that partnerships involving government, religious organisations and the private sector could expand opportunities for youth.
He further said policies aimed at improving healthcare, creating employment and protecting vulnerable citizens would strengthen public confidence and social stability.
MUSWEN commends Aiyedatiwa over Ikare-Akoko crisis
Oladejo commended Aiyedatiwa for his administration’s intervention in resolving the crisis that had 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 before the state government intervened to bring the crisis to an end.
According to him, the Commissioner for Local Government and the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board also assisted the committee during its mediation efforts.
He described the resolution of the dispute as an example of the importance of cooperation between government and religious institutions in addressing communal conflicts.
Responding, Aiyedatiwa thanked MUSWEN for the visit and promised support for its forthcoming General Assembly. He also said his administration would give favourable consideration to the request for the establishment of a NIREC chapter in Ondo State.
The governor commended the state’s Muslim community for its peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths.
The MUSWEN delegation included Deputy President I, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Deputy President II, Alhaji Wale Sonaike; Executive Secretary, Prof. Wole Abbas; NIREC Executive Secretary, Professor Muibi Opeloye; other senior MUSWEN officials; leaders of the Ondo State Muslim Community; and clerics.
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