Muslims celebrate 2025 Hajj pilgrims, promote unity in Oyo town

MUSLIMS from across the South West recently converged in Oyo, Oyo State, for a ‘Welcome Back’ celebration in honour of the 2025 Hajj pilgrims.

The event, held at the Nature Nurture Group of Schools, Ori-Awo, Oyo town, on Sunday, 13 July, 2025, was hosted by the Office of Khadimul Muslimeen, Sheikh Daud Igiogun, and the Ansarul Huda Islamic Organisation, Oyo.

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, 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 emphasised.

The event also featured an 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, fairnes and Islamic principles.

Imam Igiogun expressed deep appreciation to all who attended 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 Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the Naqeeb of Ansarul-Huda Islamic Organisation, Oyo, Dr. Ismaeel Abdulraheem Akintola Katayeyanjue, expressed appreciation to Sheikh Igiogun and all those who contributed to the success of the event.

He emphasised 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 chairman of the Da’wah Committee of the Federation of Ahlus Sunnah of Nigeria (FASON), Sheikh Sanni Garba Fagge, alongside Maruf Olabamiji Yusuf, 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 highlight of the gathering was the award of excellence presented to the national chairman of the 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 the Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Okuku Campus, and received by Imam Ibrahim Ismail of Izala, Oyo State, who represented Sheikh Bala Lau.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, was represented by High Chiefs and royal fathers. Also in attendance were politicians and community leaders, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Senator Yunus Akintunde, Honurable Akeem Adeyemi (Skimeh), chairman of Oyo Local Government 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 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 the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO).

The programme was a display of Islamic brotherhood, inter-state collaboration and a renewed call for spiritual awakening and strategic leadership among Muslims in Oyo and beyond.

The event concluded with participants echoing prayers for peace, development and continued unity within the Ummah, especially in the face of emerging challenges.

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