The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Engr. Open Salawu, has donated N15 million to support the 2026 Rabitah Conference in Ibadan, reaffirming his commitment to advancing Islam and promoting unity among Muslims in Yorubaland.
Salawu, who is also the Giwa Adinni of Oyo State and Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, announced the donation on Tuesday when he received the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere, and a delegation of Imams, Alfas and Islamic scholars from across Yorubaland.
He also donated an additional N1 million to the delegation as personal support, in what was described as a demonstration of his longstanding commitment to honouring and caring for Islamic scholars.
The delegation, under the aegis of Rabitatul Aimmat Wal Ulamai Fi Bilaadi Yoruba, also known as the League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland, paid the courtesy visit as part of preparations for the Yorubaland Muslim Conference, Ibadan 2026, scheduled to hold in November.
The Islamic scholars commended Salawu for his contributions to the propagation of Islam, describing him as the pride of Islam in Oyo State.
They said his interventions in religious and community development had contributed to the growth of Islamic institutions and the welfare of Muslims across the state.
Among the contributions highlighted by the delegation were the construction of the Central Mosque in Ilajue, Surulere Local Government Area, and another Central Mosque in Olokoto, Orire Local Government Area.
The scholars also listed the construction of mosques in Ile-Ogiri and Tara in Ogbomoso, which they said Salawu single-handedly undertook, as well as his support for the foundation of the Ikoyi Central Mosque.
Other interventions, according to the delegation, included the roofing of several Jumat mosques and the introduction of Itikaf at the Ogbomoso Central Mosque.
They disclosed that Salawu had been funding the feeding of 100 participants during the annual Itikaf programme since 2023.
The delegation further noted that he had been feeding 9,000 people every Ramadan for the past eight years, while also sponsoring Muslim and Christian programmes on Parrot FM, Ogbomoso, for more than a decade.
The scholars said these initiatives reflected his contributions to religious activities, interfaith engagement and community welfare.
They formally invited him to the forthcoming conference and expressed appreciation for his financial support.
Speaking during the visit, Salawu commended the League of Imams and Alfas for sustaining the conference and providing a platform for Muslim leaders to deliberate on issues affecting the religious community and the wider society.
He said: “I commend the League of Imams and Alfas for sustaining this impactful conference and for recognising the importance of collaboration between religious and community leaders in building a peaceful, progressive and inclusive society.”
The APM deputy governorship candidate assured the delegation of his attendance at the conference, expressing confidence that the gathering would provide an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, reflection and collective action.
He said: “I reaffirm my continuous commitment to supporting Islamic development and other initiatives that promote environmental sanity, unity, peaceful coexistence, education, youth empowerment and the overall wellbeing of our people.”
Salawu also commended the organisers for bringing Muslim leaders from across Yorubaland together, noting that such engagements could strengthen cooperation among religious institutions and communities.
He added, “I am confident that this conference will provide a meaningful platform for dialogue, reflection and collective action on issues affecting the Muslim community and the larger society.”
The APM chieftain further prayed for the success of the conference, asking Allah to grant the organisers wisdom and reward their efforts.
He said, “I pray that Allah, SWT, grants the organisers wisdom, rewards their efforts abundantly and makes the conference a resounding success.”
The three-day conference, scheduled to hold from November 13 to 16, 2026, at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, is expected to bring together renowned Islamic scholars, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders from across Yorubaland.
According to the delegation, the conference is designed to be intellectually engaging and spiritually uplifting, with discussions focusing on peace, unity, education, moral leadership, youth development and the strengthening of religious and community institutions.
Other areas of discussion will include the role of Imams in purifying Islamic pulpits, the responsibilities of political leaders ahead of the forthcoming elections and other pertinent issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and the nation.
The organisers disclosed that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, are among the special guests expected at the conference.
In response to Salawu’s support, the delegation offered special prayers and spiritual blessings for him, his family and his political aspirations.
The conference is expected to provide an opportunity for Muslim leaders and other stakeholders to examine the responsibilities of religious and political institutions in addressing contemporary challenges and strengthening social cohesion across Yorubaland.