Leaders Urge Muslim Unity for Development in Ogun State
The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, together with former governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun and other Muslim leaders, recently emphasized the need for unity, inclusive leadership, and collaboration among Muslims for sustainable development. They spoke at the “Ogun State Muslim Assembly,” organized by the League of Imams and Alfas under the theme “Synergy, Leadership and Development in the Ummah of Ogun State.”
Salako-Oyedele highlighted that possessing profound religious knowledge is not enough for development; it requires active followership, structured engagement, and collective ownership. She identified Islamic scholars as critical players who connect faith and governance but stressed that their roles must be enhanced to foster better engagement and policy success. She underscored that good ideas need followers to translate into action, warning that leadership lacking grassroots support would fail to mobilize necessary resources and implement long-term growth strategies.
She praised Muslim organizations that effectively balance religious authority with inclusive leadership, noting their achievements in establishing schools, universities, and empowering their communities through various programs. Salako-Oyedele also highlighted that distant or exclusive leadership structures can compromise trust and limit participation, ultimately undermining development initiatives. Her call for unity among Muslim leaders aimed to transition from a gatekeeping mentality to one of bridge-building, promoting collective strength instead of individual influence.
In his address, Amosun resonated with Salako-Oyedele’s points, recognizing the assembly as timely due to divisions within Islam that have hampered collective power and misrepresented the Muslim community. He noted recurring challenges in practicing and propagating Islam, marked by differences among organizations and sectarian interpretations that have led to disunity. Amosun encouraged Muslims to prioritize faith over affiliations and base their actions on shared understanding and Qur’anic wisdom. He expressed optimism that a united Muslim community could foster leadership rooted in Islamic values and facilitate socio-economic development and peaceful coexistence.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, represented by Prof. Abdulafeez Oladosu, echoed sentiments of disunity among Imams, cautioning that such fragmentation adversely impacts the collective influence of Muslims. He called for renewed cohesion within the Muslim community and expressed hope that the assembly could signal a new era of greatness. Sheikh Imam Tajudeen Adewunmi, Secretary-General of the League of Imams and Alfas, explained that the assembly was convened in response to pressing challenges facing Muslims, including issues in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, social justice, and socio-political integration.
Other speakers included former Nigerian Ambassador to the UK, Amb Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, and Emeritus Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, who also emphasized the urgent need for a unified Muslim front across the country. The assembly served as a platform to address the realities faced by the Muslim community and aimed to inspire concerted action toward collective development and unity within Ogun State and beyond.
