The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has urged Muslims across the region to actively participate in the 2027 general elections and vote for candidates committed to justice, fairness, and compassionate leadership, as the organisation announces a new leadership team ahead of its 11th General Assembly.
Outgoing MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, delivered the message on Thursday at a press conference at the organisation’s headquarters on Iwo Road, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Oladejo described leadership as a sacred trust, stressing that the decisions voters make in 2027 would have far-reaching implications for their communities and the country.
He urged Muslims to look beyond political affiliations and support candidates whose leadership would reflect the values of justice, fairness and accountability.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, I urge Muslims in the Southwest to participate actively and vote in large numbers for candidates who fear Allah and will govern with fairness, justice and compassion,” he said.
His appeal comes as MUSWEN prepares for a leadership transition following the completion of his six-year tenure, with the organisation scheduled to inaugurate a new executive at its 11th General Assembly on Sunday, November 15, at the University of Ibadan Mosque Auditorium.
Oladejo announced Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti as his successor, while Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike and Alhaji Jamiu Ekungba are to serve as Deputy Presidents I and II, respectively.
He said the Central Working Committee had approved the recommendations of the Shura Committee on the new leadership, paving the way for the transition.
Congratulating the incoming executives, Oladejo appealed to members and Muslim communities across the six South-West states to extend the same cooperation to the new administration that sustained his leadership.
He said the change in leadership should not affect MUSWEN’s commitment to the progress of Islam and the welfare of Muslims in the region.
Beyond the leadership transition, Sunday’s assembly will provide an opportunity for the organisation to present its 2025 audited financial statements and review its activities, including its interventions in education, humanitarian assistance and religious reconciliation.
Giving an account of his stewardship, Oladejo disclosed that MUSWEN’s Endowment Fund had grown to N437 million as of October 21, 2026, expressing confidence that the incoming administration would increase it to N1 billion.
He also announced that the organisation recorded a surplus of N52.963 million in 2025, compared with N44.443 million in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 19 per cent.
On educational development, Oladejo said 12 female medical students, comprising two beneficiaries from each of the six South-West states, would receive scholarships under the Sultan Abubakar Female Medical Student Scholarship Scheme at the assembly.
MUSWEN also plans to award 120 bursaries in 2027, with a long-term target of increasing the number to 600 annually.
The outgoing president highlighted the organisation’s intervention in religious leadership disputes across Osun, Ondo and Lagos states through its Mediation and Reconciliation Committee.
One of its notable interventions involved the Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque in Ondo State, which remained closed for more than three years following a leadership dispute.
Oladejo commended Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for directing the reopening of the mosque, while announcing plans by MUSWEN to organise enlightenment seminars across the six states on the selection of imams and the relationship between spiritual and administrative leadership in mosques.
He also recalled that MUSWEN raised N50 million to support victims of the devastating 2024 flood in Borno State.
The donation, coordinated by Alhaji Fola Adeola, was presented to the state’s Deputy Governor.
President Bola Tinubu, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, are among the prominent dignitaries expected at Sunday’s assembly.
The Sultan is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, while Zulum will deliver the keynote address.
Governors of the six South-West states are also expected at the gathering.
MUSWEN is the umbrella organisation for Muslims in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states and a principal constituent of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.
