Aiyedatiwa to set up interfaith council in Ondo

…says council will resolve religious disputes

…pledges support for MUSWEN assembly

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has promised to establish a state chapter of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), comprising seven Muslims and seven Christians, to promote religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when the President of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to him at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

Aiyedatiwa said the proposed 14-member council would provide a platform for religious leaders to address sensitive issues before they escalated into tension and required government intervention.

“Before tension begins to build up on issues of concern, it will have been trashed and brought to the attention of the government so that it can be resolved,” he said.

He acknowledged that the establishment of the council had been a longstanding request by the Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdul-Hakeem Yayi-Akorede.

“I want to assure you that we will do something about that. It is actually for the good of the system,” the governor said, adding that the council would be established as soon as possible.

He said regular meetings and engagement among religious leaders would strengthen mutual understanding and promote peaceful relations.

“Nobody is perfect. No system is perfect. We have to continually engage ourselves to relate with one another. That is how we understand ourselves better and live together in a more peaceful and harmonious way,” Aiyedatiwa said.

The governor also pledged support for MUSWEN’s 11th General Assembly scheduled for November 15, 2026, at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque Hall.

He said he would liaise with the Deputy Governor and other relevant representatives from Ondo State to communicate the government’s support for the gathering and wished the assembly success.

Aiyedatiwa commended the chairman of the Muslim Welfare Board for being active and objective in carrying out his responsibilities, noting that he had reappointed the chairman, who was first appointed by his predecessor.

“I know he will do a good job in representing us, and through him and the other members of this body from Ondo State, we will definitely give our support and deliver our message through them,” he said.

Earlier, Oladejo called for stronger collaboration between government and religious organisations in addressing challenges confronting the region.

He said the forthcoming MUSWEN General Assembly would deliberate on religious harmony, education, social welfare, economic difficulties, insecurity and youth unemployment.

He also called for greater cooperation in education, vocational training, youth empowerment, healthcare, poverty reduction, employment and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Oladejo said MUSWEN remained committed to promoting Muslim unity across the six South-West states, peaceful coexistence and regional and national development.

He commended Aiyedatiwa for resolving the Muslim crisis in Ikare-Akoko, which lasted more than three years and led to the closure of the community’s central mosque.

Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo; and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro.