The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Shamsudeen Apelogun as the Amirul Hajj for the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, as part of efforts to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling exercise for intending pilgrims.
Apelogun, who holds the traditional titles of Asiwaju Adinni and Baba Adinni, is also the National President of the Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Riders and Owners Association of Nigeria.
In a related development, the governor also appointed Zakariyah Olorungbebe as the Chairman of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj operations.
He is expected to oversee the administrative and operational activities of the board.
The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, on Thursday.
According to the statement, the decisions form part of the state government’s broader strategy to ensure a well-coordinated and successful Hajj exercise for pilgrims from the state.
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Governor Abiodun charged the newly appointed officials to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of commitment, stressing the importance of leadership and collaboration in managing the pilgrimage.
“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 read.
The state government also reaffirmed its commitment to providing the necessary institutional support to guarantee a hitch-free pilgrimage for all intending pilgrims.
The Hajj pilgrimage remains a significant spiritual journey for Muslims, and state governments across Nigeria often take proactive steps to ensure the welfare, safety, and proper coordination of their citizens participating in the annual exercise.