Oyo APM Deputy Gov candidate, Salawu, donates N15m to Rabitah conference donates N1m to Ulamas, assures organisers of attendance

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, has donated N15 million to support the 2026 Rabitah Conference in Ibadan, reaffirming his commitment to the development of Islam and the promotion of peaceful coexistence in the state and across Yorubaland.

Salawu, who is the Giwa Adinni of Oyo State and Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, also gave N1 million to a delegation of Islamic clerics as personal support, in what was described as a demonstration of his longstanding commitment to the welfare of Muslim religious leaders.

The donations were announced on Tuesday when the APM deputy governorship candidate received the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere, and a delegation of Imams, Alfas and Islamic scholars from across Yorubaland.

The delegation, under the aegis of Rabitatul Aimmat Wal Ulamai Fi Bilaadi Yoruba (League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland), visited Salawu as part of preparations for the Yorubaland Muslim Conference, Ibadan 2026, scheduled to hold in November.

The clerics commended Salawu for his contributions to the propagation and development of Islam, describing him as the pride of Islam in Oyo State.

They said his interventions in the Muslim community over the years had included the construction of mosques, support for Islamic programmes and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of worshippers.

Among the projects highlighted by the delegation were the construction of the Central Mosque in Ilajue, Surulere Local Government Area, and another in Olokoto, Orire Local Government Area.

They also listed the construction of mosques in Ile-Ogiri and Tara in Ogbomoso, the support he provided for the foundation of the Ikoyi Central Mosque and the roofing of several Jumat mosques.

The clerics further disclosed that Salawu initiated the Itikaf programme at the Ogbomoso Central Mosque and had been funding the feeding of 100 participants annually since 2023.

According to them, he had also been feeding 9,000 people every Ramadan for the past eight years and sponsoring Muslim and Christian programmes on Parrot FM, Ogbomoso, for more than 10 years.

The delegation formally invited him to the conference and expressed appreciation for his financial support.

The three-day conference, according to the organisers, is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 16, 2026, at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

They said the gathering would bring together renowned Islamic scholars, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and the larger society.

The organisers explained that the conference would focus on peace, unity, education, moral leadership, youth development and the strengthening of religious and community institutions.

Among the topics slated for discussion are the role of Imams in purifying Islamic pulpits and the responsibilities of political leaders ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The conference is also expected to provide an avenue for participants to examine the role of religious and community leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership and social development.

Special guests expected at the event include the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; the Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, alongside other prominent personalities.

Responding to the invitation, Salawu assured the delegation of his attendance, commending the League of Imams and Alfas for sustaining the conference and creating a platform for dialogue among Muslim leaders across Yorubaland.

He also acknowledged the importance of collaboration between religious and community leaders in building a peaceful, progressive and inclusive society.

The APM deputy governorship candidate reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote Islamic development, environmental sanitation, unity, peaceful coexistence, education, youth empowerment and the overall wellbeing of the people.

He expressed confidence that the conference would provide an opportunity for meaningful discussions, reflection and collective action on issues affecting Muslims and the wider society.

Salawu also prayed for Allah’s guidance and blessings for the organisers, expressing hope that the conference would achieve its objectives.

The delegation, in turn, offered special prayers and spiritual blessings for Salawu, his family and his political aspirations.