The Vision That Became a Reality – MUSWEN
For decades, Muslims in South-West Nigeria yearned for a unified platform that would articulate their collective aspirations, protect their interests, and present a strong, coordinated voice on matters affecting their communities. This long-felt need found its most significant and successful expression through an initiative by The Companion—an association of Muslim men in business and the professions.
The Companion’s Pioneering Role
In 2004 (1425 AH) , The Companion took a bold and visionary step by convening a Leadership Roundtable Session that brought together Muslim organisations and leaders from across the South-West region. The gathering was designed to provide a forum for deliberating on the urgent need for formidable unity and credible leadership among Muslims in the region. The session was exceptionally well-attended by notable Muslim leaders and royal fathers, signalling a widespread recognition of the necessity for collective action.
The Companion’s initiative did not end with that single gathering. Recognising the complexity of the task, wider consultations were undertaken, culminating in three Summits over a period of four years. These Summits were attended by large numbers of stakeholders, including royal fathers, and demonstrated the growing momentum behind the unity project. The former Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Late Alhaji Abdul Azeez Arisekola Alao, played a vital role in facilitating these various Summits, lending the weight of his influence and stature to the process.
At one of the Summits, a Coordinating Committee was appointed to work tirelessly towards establishing the new umbrella body on a sound footing. The Committee was headed by the Late Professor Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa, a distinguished academic and respected leader, with Barrister Y. K. O. Abdulkareem serving as General Secretary. Their dedication and the collective efforts of all stakeholders laid the foundation for what would become a historic achievement.
The Birth of MUSWEN: A Historic Inauguration
On Sunday, 10th August, 2008, the dream of a united Muslim Ummah in South-West Nigeria became a tangible reality. At a very impressive gathering, the new umbrella body was officially inaugurated by His Excellency, Prince Bola Abdul Jabbar Ajibola, under the name Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).
The occasion was graced by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, mni, CFR, as the Special Guest of Honour. His presence underscored the national significance of the event and the endorsement of the highest Islamic authority in the country. Also present were royal figures of immense stature, including HRM Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo, and HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, alongside other royals, leaders of Muslim organisations, and eminent Muslims in the region. MUSWEN was subsequently registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a Faith-Based Non-Governmental Organisation.
MUSWEN: Structure, Membership, and Impact
MUSWEN serves as the umbrella body for all Muslims in South-West Nigeria, as represented by the State Muslim Councils/Communities and Muslim organisations and institutions domiciled in the South-West geo-political zone—comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States. The six State Muslim Communities or Councils form the primary constituent units of MUSWEN.
The strength of MUSWEN lies in its inclusivity. It embraces all generations and categories of Muslim organisations in the region, including old and new generation Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs). Among its vital components are bodies of Muslim intellectuals, professionals, business people, women, and youths. The League of Imams and Alfas occupies a special place of honour within MUSWEN, and Muslim traditional and community leaders, as well as Muslim title holders, are adequately carried along in its affairs.
The Central Working Committee (CWC) of MUSWEN includes many of the foremost Islamic organisations in the region, such as Ansar Ud deen Society of Nigeria, Nawair ud deen Society of Nigeria, Zumratul Islamiyya Society of Nigeria (ZIN), Ahamadiyyah Movement in Islam, Nigeria (AMIIN), Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), Al-Fatihul Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria, Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), The Companion, Jama-at-ul Islamiyyah of Nigeria (JIN), Rahmat Islamiyya Association of Nigeria, and Anwar ul Islam Movement of Nigeria. This broad coalition ensures that MUSWEN truly represents the diversity and richness of the Muslim experience in the region.
A Legacy of Unity, Peace, and Progress
The vision of MUSWEN is to serve as a united and effective voice for Muslims in the region under a strong, veritable, and collective leadership. Its overall aim is to raise the profile of Muslims in this part of Nigeria, enabling them and their offspring to live their lives fully as staunch believers and practitioners of the faith while contributing their quota to the development of the country as responsible and respected citizens.
Since its inception, MUSWEN has provided leadership for, and helped deepen, peace and unity among Muslim stakeholders in the region. It has taken genuine steps that have set the Ummah on the path of development and progress. Over the years, MUSWEN has grown to become one of the main constituent parts of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and is recognised by that apex Islamic body, as well as governments and non-governmental organisations, as the primary platform for engagements on matters relating to Muslims and inter-faith relations in the region. Indeed, the first ten years of MUSWEN’s existence (2008–2018) have been aptly described as a treasured “Decade of Unity, Peace and Progress” .
MUSWEN: One Ummah, One Voice, Building a Brighter Future Together.
