In a colourful and spiritually uplifting gathering, Muslims from across the South West converged in Oyo for a welcome back celebration in honour of the 2025 Hujjaj (pilgrims), hosted by the Office of Khadimul Muslimeen, Sheikh Daud Igiogun, and the Ansarul Huda Islamic Organisation, Oyo.
The event was held at the prestigious Nature Nurture Group of Schools, Ori-Awo, Oyo town on Sunday 13 July, 2025.
Delegations from Edo, Osun, Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, and other states joined prominent Islamic scholars and community leaders to reaffirm unity, celebrate the completion of Hajj rites, and reflect on sustaining piety beyond the sacred pilgrimage.
Renowned Islamic scholar, Fadilatu Sheikh Abdur Rahman Solih Gbagere, the Director, Ar-Rahman Organisation, delivered a soul-stirring lecture titled “Maintaining Islam After Hajj,” reminding the returnees and the wider Muslim community of the need to uphold the spiritual discipline, sincerity, and devotion acquired during Hajj. “True Hajj reflects in the character after Makkah. It is not the end but a new beginning in the journey toward Allah,” he emphasized.
The event also featured an important address by the Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Dr. Yunus Tolha Oluwasina Ayilara II, who used the occasion to call for unity among Oyo Muslims. He stressed the necessity of peaceful collaboration and urged stakeholders to ensure that the process of selecting the next Chief Imam of Oyoland is guided by wisdom, fairness, and Islamic principles.
An emotional Imam Igiogun expressed deep appreciation to all who honoured the event, which hosted nearly 2,000 Muslims. He fondly recalled his appointment as a South West representative Imam to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), following the departure of the late Sheikh Hadiyatullah.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Naqeeb of Ansarul-Huda Islamic Organisation, Oyo, Dr. Ismaeel Abdulraheem Akintola Katayeyanjue, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Sheikh Igiogun and all those who contributed to the success of the event. He emphasized that unity remains a powerful tool for collective progress, noting that the core objectives of the gathering—promoting gratitude, teaching unity, and fostering togetherness—were successfully achieved.
The Da’wah Committee Chairman of the Federation of Ahlus Sunnah of Nigeria (FASON), Sheikh Sanni Garba Fagge alongside the National General, Maruf Olabamiji Yusuf, jointly described the programme as an eye-opener for the Hujjaj and the broader Muslim community.
They hailed the event as a commendable initiative that deserves replication across the country. While applauding the organisers, they also urged Muslims to remain united, promote shared values, and actively contribute to development in all spheres of life.
A major highlight of the gathering was the Award of Excellence presented to the National Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Sheikh Bala Lau, in recognition of his contributions to the spread of authentic Islamic teachings.
The award was presented on behalf of the community by Dr. Muhammad Bashir Usamah, the Chief Imam of UNIOSUN, Okuku Campus, and received by Imam Ibrahim Ismail of Izala, Oyo State, who represented Sheikh Bala Lau.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I represented by the magnificent presence of the High Chiefs and Royal fathers. Also in attendance were distinguished politician and community leaders Alhaja Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Honurable Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi (Skimeh), Oyo Local Government Chairmen, and their entourage, Baba Mainasara, Mufassir of Oyoland, Sheikh Abdul Lateef Abdulaazeez Eleyele, the chief Imams of Awe, Iware, Imini, Fiditi, Jobele and Ilora.
Others included representatives of Federation of Ahlus-Sunnah of Nigeria (FASON), Oyo Muslim Community, the Muslim Da’wah, the Sumuratul Mumeen, The Muslim Congress (TMC), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Ansarud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Political Awareness Group (PAG), the Hausa Community, Oyo Market Associations, and National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO).
The programme was a vivid display of Islamic brotherhood, inter-state collaboration, and a renewed call for spiritual awakening and strategic leadership among Muslims in Oyo and beyond.
As the event concluded, participants echoed prayers for peace, development, and continued unity within the Ummah, especially in the face of emerging challenges. Organizers expressed their gratitude to all who honoured the invitation and pledged continued efforts toward unifying and uplifting the Muslim community.
