By Bukola Hameed
The Muslim Congress (TMC) Oyo State has expressed profound grief and joined the Muslim community at large in mourning the passing of a revered figure, Alhaji Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju and extolled his virtues.
The Congress in a release signed by its Coordinator, Alhaji Engr. Daud Oladosu, described Adepoju as a devout Muslim who used the art of Yoruba poetry (Ewi) to passionately convey Islamic messages to Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria, adding that he lived a life of piety and purpose until his peaceful demise on December 10, 2023. The Muslim Congress extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Muslim Ummah.
“Hailing from Akufo village in Ibadan, Alhaji Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju underwent a spiritual journey that led him from Christianity to Islam. As a visionary leader, he founded the Universal Muslim Brotherhood (UMB), a commendable initiative that served as a unifying platform for Muslim elders and elites in the Southwest of Nigeria.
Additionally, his invaluable contribution to the formation of the Action Committee Against Defamation of Islam (ACADI) in the 1990s, where he served as the pioneer President, reflects his dedication to defending the honour of Islam.
In a historic display of courage, Alhaji Adepoju led a powerful delegation of Muslims in the early 90s to confront the Oro worshippers in Oyo town. His unwavering commitment to defending the principles of Islam even extended to confronting the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda, in his palace.
Alhaji Olanrewaju Adepoju’s love for The Muslim Congress was palpable. He graced the organization as an invited guest at both the first National Islamic Training Programme and National Annual Congress held at Meran, Lagos State, and Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan, respectively. His multifaceted contributions to TMC Oyo State, spanning various roles, are indelible and will forever be remembered”, it added.
In this difficult time, The Muslim Congress (TMC) Oyo State prays for the soul of Alhaji Mas’ud Olanrewaju Adepoju.
“May Almighty Allah accept his return and grant him a place in Janatu Firdaws. We share our condolencewith his family and the entire Muslim community as we collectively mourn the loss of a leader, advocate, and devoted servant of Islam”, the release concluded.