By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has mourned the passing of Sheikh Ahmad Oladoke Aladesawe, the Chief Imam of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas.

In a statement issued yesterday, signed by its President, Rasaki Oladejo, FCS, and Executive Secretary, Prof Muslih Tayo Yahya, MUSWEN, described Sheikh Aladesawe’s death at the age of 91, on the night of Monday, September 15, 2025, as a profound loss to the Muslim community, the people of Owo Kingdom, and the entire South West region.

“Sheikh Aladesawe was more than a religious leader; he was a paragon of Islamic scholarship and devotion, a pillar of community service, and a unifying force for peace and progress among Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

“As Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas, he played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, promoting religious harmony, and advancing the welfare of the ummah in Ondo State and beyond.

“His dedication to education, da’wah (Islamic propagation), and social justice inspired countless individuals and organisations, including MUSWEN, where his wise counsel was invaluable in our collective efforts to uplift the Muslim community of the entire South West Nigeria,” the statement read.

MUSWEN extended condolences to the immediate family of the late Sheikh, Jamiu Ekungba, the Baba Adinni of Owo Kingdom, the Owo Muslim Community, the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, the Governor of Ondo State, and all who were touched by his exemplary life.

“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus (the highest paradise), and grants his family, loved ones, and the entire community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May Allah’s infinite mercy envelop us all during this time of grief,” MUSWEN added.

The organisation further urged Muslims to honour his memory by embracing the values he lived for.

“In this moment of mourning, let us reflect on the legacy of Sheikh Aladesawe a nd rededicate ourselves to the values he championed: faith, unity, and service to humanity.

“MUSWEN calls on all Muslims to increase their acts of worship, including prayers for the deceased, as we navigate this period of bereavement.”

Source: The Guardian

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”… Qur’an 3:19

The ceaseless tributes trailing the death, last Sunday (July 13, 2025), of the former President Muhammadu Buhari and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona are deep and instructive validating the popular saying that life of impact matters.

Interestingly, the deceased were significant members of Muslim community in Nigeria and thus, their funerals were conducted according to Islamic rites.

Beyond mourning, the Nigerian Muslim community is celebrating the legacy of service of the two prominent national figures as leading Islamic organisations praise their lives of service, integrity, and commitment to faith.

In a series of condolence messages, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) celebrated the late leaders as exemplars of integrity, faith, and public service. They described Buhari and Oba Adetona as men whose lives stood as testimonies to principled leadership and unwavering devotion to national and religious causes.

The NSCIA as the country’s apex Islamic body, expressed profound grief over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a man whose leadership was guided by Islamic values, personal discipline, and a deep sense of duty to the nation.

In a condolence message signed by the Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq O. Oloyede, the Council said, “We mourn the death of our esteemed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. His departure marked the end of an eventful journey characterised by sacrifice, service, and commitment to national development.”

The statement recalled Buhari’s unique role in Nigerian history; first as a military head of state in 1983, and later as a democratically elected president in 2015, a feat that underlined the depth of his political resilience and national appeal.

“His integrity, austerity, and commitment to public accountability endeared him to Nigerians across ethnic and religious lines. He embodied the Islamic values of modesty, honesty, and responsibility,” the Council noted.

Under the leadership of its President-General, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the NSCIA extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Hajia Aisha Buhari, his children, the Emirate of Daura, Katsina State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians. The Council offered prayers for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy upon the late president.

“We pray that his grave becomes a garden from the gardens of Paradise, lit by the light of his good deeds,” the statement read. “May his leadership inspire current and future leaders to lead with purpose, humility, and faith.”

To MUSWEN, former President Buhari distinguished himself as a devout Muslim, a humble leader, and a patriotic figure whose legacy transcends political divides. In a condolence statement signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary/CEO, Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, the organisation emphasised the former president’s unwavering commitment to nation-building and his capacity to lead with restraint and principle.

“President Buhari’s simplicity, humility, and sense of duty made him one of the most admired leaders in Nigerian history. His commitment to fighting corruption and promoting national security stood out as pillars of his administration,” the group stated.

The regional Muslim body believed that Buhari’s leadership was not only defined by political reform but also by moral strength rooted in his Islamic faith. The group recalled how, even while holding the country’s highest office, Buhari maintained a modest lifestyle, often cited as evidence of his incorruptibility. “Despite being at the helm of power, he did not accumulate properties or live in excess. He led by example, choosing to live within his means and focus on the greater good,” MUSWEN said.

The organisation urged Nigerians to reflect on the late president’s values of service, selflessness, and unity, and called on the Federal Government to immortalise his legacy. “We respectfully call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to consider naming important national infrastructure or institutions after the late President. Doing so would preserve the lessons of his life and inspire future generations.” While praying for Buhari’s admission into Aljannatul Firdaus, MUSWEN also asked the Almighty to comfort his family, supporters, and all Nigerians who mourn his passage.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) joined in national mourning, hailing Buhari as the “Father of Modern Nigeria.” The organisation highlighted his legacy of infrastructure development, anti-corruption efforts, and integrity in governance as unmatched in recent Nigerian history. MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said Buhari was a transformational leader whose impact can still be seen in the country’s transport, energy, and agricultural sectors.
“His infrastructure revolution changed the face of Nigeria,” Akintola said. “His administration delivered on the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, and Itakpe-Warri rail lines—projects that had languished for decades before he took charge.”

Akintola praised Buhari for his political courage in challenging corruption and supporting military reform, especially during a period marked by threats from insurgents and economic instability. “Buhari’s style was unique. He was tough on corruption, yet gentle in his interactions with the people. He never lived extravagantly and refused to surround himself with a cult of personality. That kind of leadership is rare,” Akintola noted. He added that MURIC had long referred to Buhari as “Mr. Integrity,” a title he earned through his actions and personal values rather than media campaigns.

“It is not by propaganda. He owned only two houses; one in Daura and one in Kaduna; which he had before he even became president. Who else in our political history can match that level of modesty?” Akintola asked. The group offered its condolences to Buhari’s family, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians. They prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for his shortcomings and for a place for him among the righteous in Paradise. Also, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, who passed away at the age of 91, has been described as one of Nigeria’s most progressive and enlightened traditional rulers. He was known for his sharp intellect, devotion to justice, and for being a rare monarch who championed both cultural preservation and religious freedom.

Adetona as a reformer who “successfully balanced Yoruba cultural heritage with Islamic values.” The group recalled his active role in advocating for the religious rights of traditional rulers, particularly with regard to their burial rites. The monarch’s efforts culminated in the enactment in 2021 of the Obas and Chiefs Law in Ogun State, which ensures that the burial of traditional rulers is conducted in accordance with their religious beliefs, a major shift from older customs that did not always respect such wishes.

“Oba Adetona’s leadership was not just traditional but transformational,” MUSWEN noted. “He saw the need to modernise tradition in a way that respected individual faiths and human dignity.” Until his death, Oba Adetona served as the President of the Ogun Muslim Council and was widely recognised for promoting interfaith harmony. In 2024, he was named the Leader of all Muslim Obas in Yorubaland by the League of Imams and Alfas during their annual conference in Ijebu-Ode. “He was a voice of reason, a royal father, and a committed Muslim whose influence extended far beyond the palace,” MUSWEN said. “He understood that culture and faith can coexist and he lived by that philosophy.”

The group extended its condolences to the royal family, the people of Ijebuland, and the broader Muslim community, praying that Allah grants the monarch eternal peace in Aljannatul Firdaus. As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, Nigerian Muslim leaders are using the moment to call for reflection and national unity. The deaths of Buhari and Oba Adetona, they said, serve as powerful reminders of the transient nature of life and the enduring value of service, character, and faith.

“These two men were very different in their roles, one a head of state, the other a traditional ruler but they shared a deep love for Nigeria, a strong personal code of conduct, and a commitment to leaving the country better than they met it,” said Professor Oloyede of the NSCIA. According to Professor Akintola of MURIC, Nigeria is in a moment of generational transition, and the passing of such elder statesmen and monarchs should prompt younger leaders to examine their values and legacy. “Leadership is not about accumulating wealth or enjoying privilege. It’s about service. Buhari and Oba Adetona lived that truth, and history will remember them kindly,” he said.

As Muslims across Nigeria offer prayers for the departed, the call is growing louder for their examples to be studied, taught, and institutionalized so that their lives, though ended, continue to shape Nigeria’s journey.
Muslim groups have also urged Nigerian institutions, religious, educational, and governmental, to begin documenting and teaching the leadership models of both men. According to MUSWEN, young Nigerians need concrete examples of public service rooted in values, sacrifice, and accountability. “We often look outside our shores for role models, but we have shining examples at home,” MUSWEN said. “The lives of Buhari and Oba Adetona should be included in civic and moral instruction curricula across schools and madrasahs.”

In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Prof Muslih Tayo Yahya, MUSWEN said: “The contributions of the two to the Muslim Ummah, their communities and the broader society will remain etched in our hearts.”

The umbrella body noted that the late Alarà of Aramoko-Ekiti was a former President of the Ekiti State Council for Islamic Affairs, while Remi Badmus was a former Deputy President of the same council, through which they “served Allah and the Ummah most admirably.”

MUSWEN described the monarch as “a pillar of wisdom, peace, and unity in Aramoko and the entire Ekiti State,” whose reign was “marked by selfless service and an unwavering commitment to the progress of his community.”

It added that Badmus was “a distinguished retired secondary school principal and a devoted advocate for the welfare of his constituents as a politician,” and “a beacon of integrity, compassion, and dedication, whose life exemplified service to humanity.”

“In this moment of profound loss, MUSWEN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the late Alarà of Aramoko and Remi Badmus, the people of Aramoko, the Muslim Ummah of Ekiti State and all those touched by their remarkable lives,” the statement added.

“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives their shortcomings, grants them Al-Jannah Firdaus, and provides their loved ones with the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.”

Source: The Guardian.

MUSWEN in a press statement by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, Executive Secretary/CEO said “the  contributions of the two to the Muslim Ummah,  their communities and the broader society will remain etched in our hearts.”

The umbrella Muslim body noted that “Alara of Aramoko-Ekiti was a former President of Ekiti State Council for Islamic Affairs while Honourable (Alhaji) Remi Badmus was a former  Deputy President of the same council through which they served Allah and the Ummah most admirably.”

MUSWEN added that “The Alarà of Aramoko-Ekiti, a revered traditional ruler, was a pillar of wisdom, peace, and unity in Aramoko and the entire Ekiti State. His exemplary leadership and dedication to fostering harmony among his people were truly remarkable.”

His reign was marked by selfless service and an unwavering commitment to the progress of his community.

“Similarly, Honourable Remi Badmus was a distinguished retired secondary school principal and a devoted advocate for the welfare of his constituents as a politician.

 
“Hon. Badmus was a beacon of integrity, compassion, and dedication, whose life exemplified service to humanity.

“In this moment of profound loss, MUSWEN extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the late Alarà of Aramoko and Hon. Remi Badmus, the people of Aramoko, the Muslim Ummah of Ekiti State
and all those touched by their remarkable lives.”

We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives their shortcomings, grants them Al-Jannah Firdaus, and provides their loved ones with the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses.

Source: The Shield Online.

In statements signed by the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, and its Executive Secretary, Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, the organisation described the departed leaders as devout Muslims and principled statesmen. 

MUSWEN noted that Buhari’s administration was defined by integrity, simplicity and an unwavering commitment to unity, anti-corruption and national development.

It called on President Bola Tinubu to immortalise Buhari by naming significant national infrastructure in his honour and urged Nigerians to embrace the late leader’s values of unity, integrity and selfless service.

The group also honoured the late Oba Adetona, describing him as a reformist monarch who successfully blended Yoruba tradition with Islamic values. 

As President of the Ogun State Muslim Council and leader of Muslim Obas in Yorubaland, Oba Adetona was lauded for advocating religious rights for traditional rulers, efforts that culminated in the landmark Obas and Chiefs Laws of Ogun State (2021), affirming burial rites in accordance with personal faith.

MUSWEN extended condolences to the families of both departed leaders and prayed for their admittance into Jannatul Firdaus, urging the nation to continue praying for peace and progress.

Similarly, the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, describing them as a national tragedy that has “sent shockwaves across the nation.”

In a statement by its National President, Malam Sani Suleiman Maigoro, and National Secretary, Alhaji Moshood Akintola, NACOMYO praised Buhari as a stalwart of Nigerian politics whose devotion to public service shaped the country’s post-colonial trajectory. 

The organisation described his legacy as a guiding light for future generations.

Oba Adetona was celebrated by NACOMYO as a monarch of exceptional wisdom and dignity, whose 65-year reign brought significant development to Ijebu-Ode and beyond, earning widespread admiration across and outside Ogun State.

Also mourning the passing of the revered monarch, the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC) described Oba Adetona, its President-General, as a unifying figure known for wisdom, integrity and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his people.

In a statement signed by OMC Secretary-General, Alhaji Kamal’deen Akintunde, the council recalled the monarch’s commitment to interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence.

“Beyond his spiritual and cultural roles, Oba Adetona was acknowledged for driving socioeconomic advancement in Ijebuland through initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development. 

“His contributions earned him the prestigious national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), underscoring his stature as a national icon,” the council said.

It called for divine guidance in the transition process and prayed for a successor who will preserve and build upon Oba Adetona’s remarkable legacy.

Source: Nigerian Tribune.

MUSWEN said this in a press statement signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya, Executive Secretary/CEO.

It described the late leader as “a statesman whose dedication to Nigeria’s unity, security, and development left an indelible mark on the nation’s history,” adding that “As a devout Muslim, he exemplified humility and service, values that resonate deeply with the Muslim Ummah and Nigerians at large.”

MUSWEN recalled that “President Buhari’s tenure as Nigeria’s leader was characterized by his unwavering commitment to tackling corruption, strengthening national security, and fostering economic reforms. His integrity, simplicity, and steadfast leadership inspired millions and earned him respect across diverse divides.”

It further stated that “MUSWEN extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late former President, the government, and the people of Nigeria. We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, grants him Jannah-tul-Firdous, and gives his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

It said “In recognition of his immense contributions to Nigeria, MUSWEN respectfully calls on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immortalize the legacy of former President Buhari. We propose that the federal government consider naming significant national infrastructure, institutions, or initiatives after him to honor his service and ensure that future generations draw inspiration from his life of discipline and patriotism.

“We further urge Nigerians to reflect on the values of unity, integrity, and selfless service that defined President Buhari’s life. Let us come together in this moment of grief to pray for the continued peace and progress of our dear nation.

“May Allah (SWT) continue to guide and protect Nigeria.”

Source: The Shield Online

MUSWEN conveyed this in a condolence message  jointly signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Muslih Tayo Yahya Executive Secretary/CEO.

According to MUSWEN, “The death of Oba Olakulehin is a profound loss to the Muslim community, the traditional institution, Yorubaland and the entire nation.”

The umbrella Muslim body in the South West added that  “His brief but impactful reign was marked by an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the preservation of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage. As a revered monarch, he exemplified wisdom, humility, and dedication to the service of his people, fostering harmony and collaboration between traditional and governmental institutions.

“MUSWEN extends its heartfelt condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the immediate and extended family of the late monarch, the Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, the government and people of Oyo State, and all sons and daughters of Ibadanland.

“The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria stands in solidarity with Ibadanland during this period of grief and prays for divine guidance in the selection of a worthy successor to continue the legacy of the Olubadan.”

Source: City Voice News

Judge Ajibola’s exemplary contributions to the growth of Muslims in Nigeria and Africa, as a whole exemplified by his establishment of the Islamic Mission for Africa (IMA) in Abeokura are outstanding. He dedicated his life to the course of the Muslim Ummah and worked tirelessly to promote unity and religious harmony across the country and the continent of Africa. His numerous achievements and legacies will remain forever etched in the annals of history.

Judge Ajibola was a visionary leader and a trailblazer whose impact on the Nigerian Muslim community cannot be overstated. As a man of principle, courage, and action, he was a shining example of what could be achieved when passion, determination, skill, and punctuality are brought together in the service of a noble course.

One of the most significant contributions of Judge Ajibola while serving as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was his efforts toward the improvement of the global justice system. At the World Court, he worked tirelessly to promote the course of justice and the advancement of international law. His legal expertise and unwavering commitment to justice and fairness earned him the respect and admiration of people all over the world.

In Nigeria, Judge Ajibola was well respected within the legal community for his exceptional legal knowledge and for his role as former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. As Minister, he championed legal reforms that advanced the course of justice, democracy, and good governance in Nigeria. His contributions to the development of the Nigerian legal system remain significant and memorable.

As the immediate past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MUSWEN, Judge Ajibola significantly promoted religious harmony and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and people of other faiths. Under his able leadership, MUSWEN worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of Muslims in the South West region of Nigeria.

Judge Ajibola as a devout Muslim lived his life in accordance with the teachings of Islam. He was a man of great faith, humility, and compassion, and he always put the needs of others before his own. His commitment to the course of the Muslim Ummah, his exemplary leadership, and his unwavering commitment to justice and fairness will continue to inspire countless Nigerians for generations to come.

On behalf of the President of MUSWEN and the entire Ummah, I extend our deepest condolences to Judge Ajibola’s family, friends, and loved ones. May Allah grant him eternal peace and a place in Janat al-Firdaus, and may He grant his family, friends, and loved ones the strength and patience to bear this irreparable loss. Justice Ajibola’s passing is a great loss to the Nigerian Muslim community and the nation as a whole.

Prof. Muslih ‘Tayo Yahya

Executive Secretary/CEO