…At Raabitah Eko 2025, Alabi-Macfoy advocates unity, civic preparedness among Yoruba Muslims
…Pushes for e-centre library, strengthened interfaith harmony
…‘We must not be caught unawares’, he says to Muslim leaders, asking them to reorganise
LAGOS, Nigeria – At the Raabitah Eko 2025 Conference, held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Baba Adinni of Lagos, His Eminence Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, FCA, delivered an extempore goodwill message that emphasized unity, institutional strengthening, and strategic civic engagement among Muslims in Yoruba Land.
Addressing a hall filled with eminent Imams, Alfas, scholars, and delegates from across the Southwest, Alhaji Macfoy expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to speak among “highly spiritual and pious Ulamas,” acknowledging the significance of the three-day conference organized by Raabitatul-Aimmat Wal Ulama Fii Biladi Yoruba.
Call for an Islamic E-Centre Library
One of the core recommendations in his message was the establishment of an E-Centre Library—a digital archive for Islamic records, activities, and historical documentation, with a particular focus on Lagos and the Southwest.
He pledged to help set up a committee to explore and actualize the project, describing it as essential for preserving Islamic scholarship and institutional memory for future generations.
Strengthening Peace and Inter-Religious Harmony
Macfoy commended the conference theme, noting that its focus on fostering peaceful coexistence among monarchs, religious leaders, and political actors was both “timely and strategically important.” He emphasised that enhanced collaboration across ethnic and religious lines would further solidify Lagos’ reputation as a centre of harmony, tolerance, and stability.
Contextualising President Tinubu’s Leadership
The Baba Adinni highlighted Lagos’ long-standing record of peace and development, attributes he said were significantly shaped by former Governor and now President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He praised the President’s ongoing efforts at the national level, noting that Tinubu “came well prepared with a master plan” and had shown willingness to take difficult but necessary decisions to reposition Nigeria.
While acknowledging current national challenges, he urged Nigerians—particularly Muslims—to exercise patience, unity, and support for the administration’s initiatives. He argued that visible signs of progress were beginning to emerge, and that continued stability was vital for long-term national transformation.
Preparing Early for the 2027 Elections
Alhaji Macfoy advised Muslims not to be caught unprepared ahead of the 2027 general elections. He referenced the last electoral cycle in Lagos, which saw unexpected outcomes, urging Islamic groups and institutions to adopt proactive civic engagement strategies.
He recalled how the Lagos Central Mosque, through extensive mobilization and coordination with Islamic organizations and individuals, contributed significantly to the eventual electoral victory of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a week after a major political setback in the state.
He encouraged Muslims to collect and safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to participate actively in the democratic process alongside Christian and traditional religious groups, stressing that collective action and interfaith solidarity were crucial for stability.
Addressing Misconceptions About Religious Conflict
Responding to narratives suggesting religious-targeted violence in Nigeria, Macfoy cautioned against what he termed “dangerously inaccurate framings.” He reminded attendees that Nigerians—especially in Yoruba Land—live in deeply interwoven multi-faith families, with President Tinubu himself being a prominent example.
He maintained that the government had made remarkable progress in confronting insecurity and that divisive rhetoric could jeopardize national cohesion.
Tribute to Islamic Scholars and League Founders
In closing, the Baba Adinni paid tribute to past and present contributors to the development of the League of Imams and Alfas, especially the late Sheikh Adam Abdullahi El-Ilory, whose legacy he described as “bearing bountiful fruits.” He extended the goodwill of the Lagos Central Mosque to all participants and wished the conference a productive deliberation.
