MUSWEN honours Prof Muslih Yahya at end of six-year tenure
By Abdullahi Yusuf
Senior Muslim leaders from southwest Nigeria have paid tribute to the outgoing executive secretary of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Muslih Oretayo Yahya, at a send-off ceremony in Ibadan.
The event, held on Saturday at the MUSWEN Hall, marked the conclusion of Professor Yahya’s six years as executive secretary of the umbrella Muslim organisation, during which he was credited with promoting unity and institutional stability.
Leaders of Muslim organisations, clerics and community representatives from across the six southwest states attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, MUSWEN President Rasaki Oladejo described Yahya’s service as marked by humility and commitment, saying his leadership consistently prioritised the collective interest of the Muslim community.
“He served with wisdom and placed the unity of the Ummah above personal comfort,” Oladejo said, adding that the gathering reflected Islam’s emphasis on gratitude.
A short sermon delivered by Professor M. Oloyede Abdur-Rahman, the immediate past Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, focused on moral responsibility within the Muslim community. He said many social challenges stemmed from weak awareness of accountability in the Hereafter and urged renewed attention to education.
He warned that the problem of out-of-school children was not limited to northern Nigeria and called for sustained advocacy for both Islamic and secular education to improve economic participation and decision-making.
Tributes were also paid by MUSWEN officials and staff members. Speaking on behalf of the secretariat, AbdulWakeel Olaniyi, director of finance and administration, described Yahya as a leader of integrity and said staff members valued working under him.
Goodwill messages were delivered by senior figures including Professor D.O.S. Noibi, MUSWEN’s pioneer executive secretary, Professor M.O. Opeloye, Professor Lateefah Durosinmi, and Alhaji Kunle Sanni, all of whom praised Yahya’s inclusive leadership style.
Professor Yahya, responding, thanked MUSWEN for the recognition and said his departure from office did not mark the end of his service to the organisation.
“I have only stepped aside,” he said. “I remain part of the system, and the service continues.”
The event ended with the presentation of gifts by MUSWEN, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State chapter, and the Ogun State Muslim Council, followed by closing prayers.
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