Aiyedatiwa pledges support for MUSWEN general assembly

Ondo State governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pledged his administration’s support for the upcoming 11th General Assembly of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

The governor announced the commitment during a courtesy visit to his office in Akure by a delegation led by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, the President of MUSWEN and Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

The 11th MUSWEN General Assembly is scheduled to take place on November 15, 2026, at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall.  The governor,  stated that he will coordinate with his Deputy Governor and other relevant Ondo State representatives to streamline and communicate the state government’s full support for the gathering.

Alongside the pledge to MUSWEN, the governor announced plans to establish an Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC). The 14-member council will consist of seven Christian leaders and seven Muslim leaders, designed to resolve religious disputes and foster harmony before tensions escalate.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of continuous engagement to ensure peaceful coexistence, reiterating that his administration remains committed to inclusivity and equal rights for all citizens regardless of their religious backgrounds.

Speaking during the visit, MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, called for sustained collaboration between the state government and the Muslim community in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, poverty reduction and economic inclusion.

He stressed that regular consultations between government officials and Muslim leaders would help address community concerns and enable religious organisations to contribute to public policy and development.

The MUSWEN president said investment in education, vocational training and skills acquisition was essential to preparing young people for productive lives, while partnerships between government, religious organisations and the private sector could expand opportunities for youth.

He added that policies aimed at improving healthcare, creating employment and protecting vulnerable citizens would strengthen public confidence and social stability.

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Oladejo, however, 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’s intervention brought the crisis to an end.

According to him, the Commissioner for Local Government and the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board also provided assistance to the committee during its mediation efforts.

He described the resolution of the dispute as evidence of the importance of cooperation between government and religious institutions in addressing communal conflicts.

Oladejo reaffirmed MUSWEN’s readiness to work with the Ondo State Government, NIREC, the Christian community and other stakeholders to promote religious harmony, peace and development.

He expressed hope that the governor would give favourable consideration to the request for the establishment of the NIREC chapter and continue supporting the Muslim community in the state.