For decades, Southwestern Nigeria has remained a major center of Islamic scholarship, producing distinguished clerics whose teachings, leadership, and influence extend far beyond their immediate communities. From Lagos to Ilorin, Ibadan to Iwo, Akure to Abeokuta, these scholars continue to shape religious discourse, mentor generations of Muslims, promote peace, and champion educational development.
Here are 30 Islamic clerics whose names command immense respect across Yorubaland and beyond.
(1) Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan
Widely regarded as one of the most outspoken Islamic scholars in Nigeria, Sheikh Daood Imran Molaasan is the Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States and founder of Jama’at Ta’awunil Muslimeen. Based in Iwo, Osun State, he is renowned for his passionate advocacy of Sharia law, defense of Muslim rights, and fearless engagement with socio-political issues affecting Muslims. His influence cuts across religious, educational and political circles throughout the Southwest.
(2) Sheikh Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef
Popularly known as Honourable Iyepe, Sheikh AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef is a respected Islamic scholar, constitutional lawyer, motivational speaker and former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs. Revered for combining religious scholarship with public service, he is known for his inspiring lectures, educational Waka renditions and commitment to Islamic education through the Abdullateef Centre for Quranic Memorisation and Arabic Studies.
(3) Sheikh Dr. Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa
An eloquent scholar and highly sought-after preacher, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa serves as the fourth Grand Mufti of the Ilorin Emirate. A recipient of the national honour OON, he is respected for his deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and his widely attended Ramadan Tafsir sessions. His captivating preaching style has made him one of the most recognized Islamic voices in Nigeria.
(4) Sheikh Muhammad Habibullah Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory
The son and successor of the legendary Sheikh Adam Abdullah Al-Ilory, Sheikh Habeebullah Al-Ilory leads the prestigious Markaz Arabic and Islamic Training Centre in Agege, Lagos. Under his stewardship, the institution has remained a leading center of Arabic and Islamic learning in West Africa. He is admired for his intellectual depth, moderation and commitment to educational excellence.
(5) Sheikh AbdurRahman Olanrewaju Ahmad
One of Nigeria’s most globally recognized Islamic scholars, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad serves as National Missioner of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria. A former media professional, he has become a powerful advocate for education, interfaith harmony, women’s empowerment and peaceful coexistence. His lectures attract audiences across Africa, Europe and North America.
(6) Sheikh Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun
A revered scholar, historian and author, Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Adekilekun is celebrated for his immense contributions to Arabic and Islamic education. He played a significant role in Yoruba Quran translation efforts and remains one of the foremost authorities on Islamic history and scholarship in Yorubaland. His commitment to religious tolerance has earned widespread admiration.
(7) Sheikh AbdulRasaq AbdulAzeez Ishola
Recognized for his moderation, scholarship and leadership, Sheikh AbdulRasaq Ishola serves as Grand Mufti of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States. A graduate of Qatar University, he frequently represents regional Islamic leadership at national and international engagements and remains a respected voice on religious matters.
(8) Sheikh Dr. Jamiu Muhammad Busari
A respected academic and researcher, Sheikh Jamiu Busari has spent decades teaching Islamic studies and authoring scholarly works on Islamic law, inheritance and Yoruba Muslim history. His contributions to Islamic education continue to influence students and researchers across Nigeria.
(9) Sheikh Dr. Iskeel Akolawole Lawal
Popularly known as Sheikh Sugar, he serves as Wakeelul Muslimeen of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States. Combining scholarship with community leadership, he has emerged as a major unifying figure among Muslims in Southwestern Nigeria while also serving as Consultant on Islamic Affairs to the Ogun State Government.
(10) Sheikh Dr. Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha
A scholar trained in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Imran Eleha is Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque and General President of Daaru-Naim Academy. Known for his intellectual depth and engaging lectures, he has become a respected authority on Arabic linguistics and Islamic jurisprudence.
(11) Sheikh Moshood Ramadan Jibreel Al-Ameery Al-Ketuwy
A veteran scholar and one of the foremost students of Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Sheikh Ramadan Al-Ketuwy is regarded as a living legend in Islamic education. His decades of teaching and mentorship have produced countless scholars across Nigeria and West Africa.
(12) Sheikh Abdulganiyu Abubakry Agbotomokekere
As the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Agbotomokekere occupies one of the most respected religious offices in Yorubaland. His leadership, wisdom and decades of service have made him a revered elder statesman of the Muslim community.
(13) Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello
The Chief Imam of Ado-Ekiti and Grand Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Kewulere Bello has become a symbol of unity and peaceful coexistence. He continues to strengthen Islamic education and youth development across the region.
(14) Sheikh Musa Muhammad Rabiu Animashaun
As Grand Imam of Osun State and Chief Imam of Osogboland, Sheikh Animashaun plays a pivotal role in promoting peace, community development and religious harmony throughout the state.
(15) Sheikh AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede
The Grand Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom and a respected community leader, Sheikh Akorede has devoted nearly two decades to strengthening Islamic institutions and charitable initiatives in Ondo State.
(16) Sheikh Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowooribi
Known for his wisdom and moderation, Sheikh Olowooribi provides spiritual leadership to one of Lagos State’s largest Muslim populations and remains a strong advocate for peace and social welfare.
(17) Sheikh Yahya Olorunosebi Oshoala Ajagbemokeferi
A respected scholar and community leader, Sheikh Oshoala has become known for promoting unity, religious tolerance and grassroots Islamic education across Ikorodu Division.
(18) Sheikh Mustapha Oseni Adewale Hamzat
A vocal defender of Islamic unity, Sheikh Hamzat is widely respected for his administrative leadership and his firm stance against extremism and divisive teachings.
(19) Sheikh Saadullah Bamgbola
One of Ogun State’s most influential clerics, Sheikh Bamgbola combines religious leadership with community development initiatives and interfaith engagement.
(20) Sheikh AbdulBasit Olanrewaju Katibi Bello
Popular for blending Islamic teachings with inspirational music, Aponle Anobi has built a loyal following among Yoruba Muslims through his unique style of Dawah and spiritual motivation.
(21) Sheikh Uthman Sannu Sheu
Celebrated for his poetic delivery and engaging Yoruba lectures, Sheikh Uthman Sannu Sheu remains one of the most sought-after Ramadan Tafsir scholars in Southwestern Nigeria.
(22) Sheikh Dr. Sirajudeen Bilal Al-Asrau
A graduate of the Islamic University of Madinah, Sheikh Bilal Al-Asrau is respected for his mastery of Islamic jurisprudence, theology and contemporary Shariah issues.
(23) Sheikh Abdulfattah Thanni
A leading advocate of Islamic legal scholarship, Sheikh Abdulfattah Thanni occupies strategic leadership positions within major Islamic organizations and continues to champion Muslim unity nationwide.
(24) Prof. Saheed Olurotimi Timehin
An accomplished academic at Lagos State University, Professor Timehin is respected for his contributions to Islamic studies, interfaith dialogue and conflict resolution.
(25) Sheikh Abubakar Issa Olayinka Baba Ote Salaty
A charismatic Sufi preacher and spiritual mentor, Baba Ote Salaty is revered for his energetic sermons, prayer sessions and commitment to spiritual revival.
(26) Sheikh Buhari Musa
Known for his fearless preaching and straightforward style, Sheikh Buhari Musa enjoys a massive following among Yoruba-speaking Muslims both within and outside Nigeria.
(27) Sheikh Ahmad Ibrahim Bukhari Al-Mukhtar
An influential Lagos-based cleric, Sheikh Al-Mukhtar has successfully leveraged social media and humanitarian initiatives to expand Islamic outreach and community empowerment.
(28) Dr. Hammed Bakare
An academic and Islamic leader, Dr. Bakare has distinguished himself through advocacy for Muslim inclusion, educational development and religious harmony in Ekiti State.
- Sheikh Taofeek Akeugbagold
Known for his bold public commentary and insightful lectures, Sheikh Akeugbagold remains one of Oyo State’s most visible Islamic voices on contemporary social and economic issues.
(30) Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla
A veteran preacher, author and Deputy National Missioner of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla is respected for his unwavering commitment to Islamic propagation, peacebuilding and community development.
From traditional custodians of Islamic scholarship to contemporary scholars leveraging modern media platforms, these 30 clerics continue to shape the spiritual, educational and social landscape of Yorubaland. Their influence extends beyond mosques and lecture grounds into public policy, education, community development and interfaith relations, making them some of the most respected Islamic personalities in Southwestern Nigeria today.
