The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria has called for increased political involvement of Muslims across the Southwest region and Nigeria at large.
The call was made during a courtesy visit to the President General, League of Imams and Alfas for Southwest, Edo, and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Keulere Bello, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
According to a statement released by Alhaji Yusuf T. Akeusola, Media Officer for the League of Imams and Alfas in Ekiti State, the delegation was led by Professor Abdul Rasheed Aderinoye, Chairman of MUSWEN’s Committee on Political Group and Good Governance.
He was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Muslihu Yahya.
Professor Aderinoye stated that the visit was part of MUSWEN’s ongoing efforts to encourage political awareness and participation among Muslims in the region. He emphasized that the committee’s primary goal is to mobilize Muslims in the Southwest for active engagement in politics and governance.
“We are here to consult with our spiritual leader and Grand Imam of Ekiti State so that he can use his position to mobilize religious leaders, missionaries, and associations for effective political participation,” Aderinoye said.
He added that the committee intends to replicate the consultation across all Muslim groups and associations in the Southwest, aligning with MUSWEN’s broader mission to foster unity and promote good governance in the region.
Professor Muslihu Yahya, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the cordial relationship between religious leaders in the state and the government. He expressed hope that this synergy would pave the way for greater inclusion of Muslims in political roles in Ekiti State.
Responding, Sheikh Jamiu Keulere Bello thanked the MUSWEN team for the visit and pledged to relay the message to relevant Islamic groups and associations in anticipation of the committee’s formal engagement in the state. He assured the team of his support in mobilizing stakeholders.
Also speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Dr. Hammed Afolabi Bakare, President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Ekiti State, commended MUSWEN’s initiative. He acknowledged the leadership of Sheikh Keulere in maintaining a productive relationship with the state government, noting that Muslims in Ekiti have received fair representation so far.
However, Dr. Bakare stressed that the Muslim community remains committed to securing even more prominent roles in politics and governance.
The meeting was attended by representatives from state and local government bodies, Imams, executive members of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and other Muslim clerics.
