IBADAN — The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Engr. Muftau Open Salawu, has donated N15 million towards the 2026 Rabitah Conference in Ibadan, with an additional N1 million personal support for participating Ulamas.
Salawu, who is the Giwa Adinni of Oyo State and Babalaje of Ogbomosoland, announced the donations on Tuesday while receiving a delegation of Imams, Alfas and Islamic scholars led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakry Agbotomokekere.
The delegation, under the Rabitatul Aimmat Wal Ulamai Fi Bilaadi Yoruba (League of Imams and Alfas in Yorubaland), visited Salawu as part of preparations for the three-day conference scheduled for November 13–16, 2026, at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.
The organisers said the conference would focus on peace, unity, education, moral leadership, youth development and strengthening religious and community institutions. Discussions are also expected to examine the role of Imams in maintaining the integrity of Islamic pulpits and the responsibilities of political leaders ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The delegation commended Salawu for his longstanding contributions to Islamic development, citing the construction and support of mosques in parts of Ogbomoso and the sponsorship of religious and community initiatives.
They formally invited him to the conference and offered prayers for him, his family and his political aspirations.
Salawu, who accepted the invitation, commended the organisers for sustaining the conference and bringing Muslim leaders across Yorubaland together for dialogue and reflection.
He reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives promoting Islamic development, peaceful coexistence, education, youth empowerment, environmental responsibility and community wellbeing, while praying for the success of the conference.
The conference is expected to attract Islamic scholars, community leaders, government officials and other stakeholders, with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; Deputy Governor Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, among dignitaries listed as special guests.
