A group of Islamic scholars in Osun State, Nigeria, has called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to appoint the next chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board from a zone that has never held the position. The Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars of Nigeria, Osun branch, made this appeal in a letter dated October 9, 2026, warning against any arrangement that could extend the tenure of the incumbent chairman, Dr. Moruf Isola, beyond this year.
The council argued that appointing a successor would promote fairness and inclusiveness, particularly for zones that have yet to produce a chairman of the board. The letter, signed by the State Coordinator, Mallam Isiak Abdul Rahman, and five other scholars, was addressed to Governor Adeleke. The scholars noted that Isola has spent eight consecutive years in office, making him the longest-serving chairman in the history of the board.
The council's position follows a disagreement among Islamic groups over the incumbent chairman's tenure and the question of which zone should produce his successor. The controversy emerged after the Osun State League of Imams and Alfas, led by the Grand Imam of Osun, Shaykh Musa Animasahun, responded to a demand by the Iwo Board of Ulama for an indigene of Iwo to be appointed chairman.
The League reportedly maintained that Isola, who hails from Osogbo zone, should remain in office until 2030, arguing that other zones should be considered for the position after his tenure expires. However, the Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars rejected the proposed extension, describing it as unfair and excessive. The council stated that any attempt to extend Isola's tenure beyond 2026 would make him spend 12 years as Chairman of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, a first in any state in the South-West.
The scholars pointed out that Osogbo had cumulatively occupied the position for more than 15 years, while Ijesa had held it for nearly 11 years and Iwo for almost seven years. They noted that Ife, Ede, Ikire, Ikirun, and Ila-Orangun had yet to produce a chairman. The council challenged the suggestion that the League of Imams and Alfas had exclusive authority to determine who should occupy the position, arguing that there was no law granting the organisation such powers.
The council urged Governor Adeleke to encourage Isola to leave office after completing eight years and appoint a successor from an unrepresented zone. They insisted that this move would promote equitable representation and zonal balance in the management of Muslim pilgrims' affairs in Osun State. The scholars emphasized the importance of fairness and inclusiveness in the appointment of the new chairman.
The appointment of a new chairman for the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is crucial for maintaining peace and unity among Islamic groups in Osun State. The Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars' appeal to Governor Adeleke highlights the need for a fair and transparent process in selecting the next chairman. The governor's decision will be closely watched by various stakeholders in the state.
Key points
- The Supreme Council of Islamic Scholars of Nigeria, Osun branch, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to appoint a new chairman for the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board from a previously unrepresented zone.
- The incumbent chairman, Dr. Moruf Isola, has spent eight consecutive years in office and should not have his tenure extended beyond 2026, according to the council.
- The appointment of a new chairman will promote fairness, inclusiveness, and zonal balance in the management of Muslim pilgrims' affairs in Osun State.
