Ogun Governor Names Apelogun As 2026 Amirul Hajj, Appoints Pilgrims Welfare Board Chair

The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun as the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, as part of preparations for the annual religious exercise.

Apelogun, who holds the titles of Asiwaju Adinni of Ogun State and Baba Adinni of Remoland, is expected to lead Muslim pilgrims from the state during the 2026 Hajj exercise to Saudi Arabia.

In a related development, the governor also approved the appointment of Sheikh Zakariyah Ishaq Olorungbebe as chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj.

The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, who said the move was aimed at ensuring a seamless and successful pilgrimage exercise.

According to the statement, “Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, has approved the appointment of Alhaji (Prince) Shamsudeen Adebayo Apelogun, the Asiwaju Adinni of Ogun State and Baba Adinni of Remoland, as the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

“In the same vein, the Governor also approved the appointment of Sheikh Zakariyah Ishaq Olorungbebe as the Chairman of the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj operation to oversee the administrative and operational activities of the board.

“These appointments are part of the State Government’s strategic preparations to ensure a smooth, well-coordinated, and successful Hajj exercise for pilgrims from Ogun State.”

The governor charged both appointees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, stressing the need for effective leadership throughout the exercise.

“The Governor charged the Amirul Hajj and the Chairman to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, and a high level of commitment, emphasising the importance of effective leadership, coordination, and collaboration in ensuring the comfort, safety, and spiritual fulfilment of all pilgrims,” the statement added.

It further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the pilgrimage process, noting that adequate structures would be put in place to guarantee a hitch-free exercise for intending pilgrims from Ogun State.