Introduction
The propagation of Islam, the promotion of Islamic knowledge, and the spiritual, moral and social development of Muslims constitute fundamental objectives of the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria (AIMN).
In furtherance of these objectives, the Movement established the National Missionary Board as its principal organ responsible for the coordination, supervision and advancement of religious and spiritual activities across its Missions and educational institutions.
The Board plays a central role in ensuring the preservation of Islamic teachings, promoting uniformity in religious practices, strengthening the capacity of religious leaders and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the Movement.
Operating under the authority of the National Executive Council (NEC), the Missionary Board provides religious guidance, institutional oversight and professional development for Chief Imams, Imams, Alfas and other religious personnel serving the Movement.
The Board is chaired by the National Chief Imam and Missioner, who serves as the highest spiritual officer of the Movement.
Historical Development of the Missionary Leadership
The history of the National Missionary Board is closely associated with the distinguished Islamic scholars and religious leaders who have served as National Chief Imams and Missioners of the Movement.
Through their scholarship, dedication and commitment to Islamic propagation, these leaders contributed significantly to the spiritual growth, institutional development and geographical expansion of the Movement.
Explore each period of spiritual leadership below.
The Second National Chief Imam: Alhaji Ashafa Bokini Tijani
The late Alhaji Ashafa Bokini Tijani, the Second National Chief Imam of the Movement, made significant contributions to Islamic education, missionary development and the expansion of the Movement beyond Lagos.
His tenure was particularly distinguished by his commitment to training and mentoring religious personnel who subsequently assumed leadership responsibilities in various Missions.
Among those who benefited from his mentorship was Brother Nabulele, who later became the first indigenous Imam of the Movement’s Mission in Benin City.
Alhaji Ashafa Bokini Tijani also contributed to the establishment and development of Missions outside the Movement’s original operational base, including Ijede Mission.
His leadership strengthened the Movement’s religious foundation and helped advance its missionary outreach.
He passed away on 10th September 1964, leaving a legacy of Islamic scholarship, mentorship and institutional service.
The Third National Chief Imam: Alhaji Abdul Lateef Sadiq Akodu (1964–1980)
Following the demise of Alhaji Ashafa Bokini Tijani, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Sadiq Akodu assumed office as the Third National Chief Imam of the Movement in 1964.
His tenure, which lasted until 1980, represented an important period of religious consolidation, institutional transformation and organisational development.
One of his most notable achievements was the preparation and publication of the Movement’s Mode of Worship, which provided an established framework for the conduct of religious activities across the Missions.
This development promoted consistency in worship and strengthened the religious identity of the Movement.
Alhaji Akodu also played a prominent role during the deliberations concerning the change of the Movement’s name. Historical accounts credit him with proposing the name Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria, which subsequently became the organisation’s official identity.
His contributions to the construction of the Movement’s Headquarters Central Mosque were equally significant.
A respected Islamic scholar and religious leader, he was known for his intellectual conviction, principled leadership and unwavering commitment to Islamic teachings.
Alhaji Abdul Lateef Sadiq Akodu passed away on Saturday, 22nd March 1980, shortly after delivering his final two Friday sermons on 14th and 21st March 1980.
He was laid to rest on Monday, 24th March 1980, following funeral prayers at the new mosque.
His passing marked the end of an important chapter in the Movement’s religious history.
The Fourth National Chief Imam: Alhaji Ahmad Adisa Babatunde Yoosuf (1980–2024)
Following the death of Alhaji Abdul Lateef Sadiq Akodu, the Movement appointed Alhaji Ahmad Adisa Babatunde Yoosuf (B.A., Cairo) as its Fourth National Chief Imam and Missioner.
Before his appointment, Alhaji Yoosuf had served as an Itinerary Missioner of the Movement, bringing considerable experience in Islamic propagation, education and missionary administration.
A trained teacher and Islamic scholar, he undertook seven years of theological studies in Cairo, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.
At the time of his predecessor’s passing, Alhaji Yoosuf was undertaking an official missionary tour and returned to Lagos upon receiving news of the Chief Imam’s death.
He was subsequently appointed by the Executive Committee and formally turbaned on 13th December 1980, a historic occasion that coincided with the official opening of the Movement’s Headquarters Central Mosque at Ojo Giwa, Lagos.
His leadership witnessed important developments in the religious and institutional affairs of the Movement.
Among his notable contributions were the review of the Movement’s Mode of Worship, the strengthening of religious administration and his efforts towards restoring unity during periods of internal disagreement.
Through his scholarship, experience and commitment to reconciliation, he contributed to the preservation of institutional stability and the continued advancement of the Movement’s religious objectives.
Alhaji Ahmad Adisa Babatunde Yoosuf passed away on 6th September 2024, bringing to a close a remarkable period of spiritual leadership and dedicated service to the Movement.
His legacy remains an enduring part of the religious history of Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria.
The Fifth National Chief Imam: Alhaji Imam Musliu Adebola Afisi (2025–Present)
Following the passing of the Fourth National Chief Imam, the Movement commenced the process of selecting a successor in accordance with its established procedures and institutional requirements.
After a comprehensive selection process, Alhaji Imam Musliu Adebola Afisi emerged as the Fifth National Chief Imam and Missioner of the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria.
He was formally turbaned on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, marking the commencement of a new chapter in the Movement’s spiritual leadership.
As the current National Chief Imam and Missioner, he serves as the Chairman of the National Missionary Board and provides spiritual leadership and guidance to the Movement.
His responsibilities include leading Jumu’ah and Eid prayers, delivering sermons, officiating at religious and state functions organised by the Movement, and exercising general supervision over its missionary activities.
His leadership is expected to strengthen Islamic propagation, enhance religious education, promote unity among Missions and consolidate the spiritual foundations established by his predecessors.
The Movement prays that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants him wisdom, sound health, divine guidance and the strength to discharge his responsibilities successfully.
May his tenure be characterised by peace, unity, spiritual advancement and lasting institutional progress. Ameen.
Constitutional Establishment of the National Missionary Board
The establishment, composition, tenure, leadership and responsibilities of the National Missionary Board are expressly provided for under Chapter 5, Part 1, Sections 80–82 of the Constitution of the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria.
Establishment — Section 80(i)
Section 80(i) provides for the establishment of a Missionary Board by the National Executive Council.
The Board is constitutionally responsible for the smooth administration and management of the religious and spiritual activities of the Movement.
Its authority extends to the control, monitoring and supervision of religious affairs and activities across the Movement’s Missions and educational institutions.
This provision establishes the Board as a central coordinating body for religious administration within the Movement.
Composition — Section 80(ii)
The Constitution stipulates that the Missionary Board shall comprise:
- The National Chief Imam and Missioner, who serves as an automatic member by virtue of his office.
- The National Itinerary Missioner, who is also an automatic member by virtue of his office.
- At least nineteen (19) Chief Imams or Imams, drawn from Missions across the different Zones of the country and appointed by the National Executive Council in consultation with the National Chief Imam and Missioner.
- Two (2) additional nominees of the National Executive Council, who shall not be Imams.
This composition ensures broad representation of religious leadership across the Movement while allowing for the inclusion of non-Imam members nominated by the National Executive Council.
Eligibility — Section 80(iii)
The Constitution requires that all members of the Missionary Board, except the two non-Imam nominees, possess the qualifications prescribed for a Chief Imam or Imam of a Mission.
This requirement is intended to maintain the appropriate standard of Islamic scholarship, religious competence and institutional credibility within the Board.
Tenure — Section 80(iv)
Members of the Missionary Board serve a term of four (4) years, calculated from the commencement date of the administration of the National Executive Council that appointed them.
However, the Constitution empowers the National Executive Council to reorganise or reshuffle the Board whenever necessary, including the removal of members whose performance is considered unsatisfactory.
This provision promotes accountability, effective representation and continuous institutional improvement.
Officers of the National Missionary Board
Under Section 81 of the Constitution, the Missionary Board shall have the following officers:
- Chairman: The National Chief Imam and Missioner.
- National Itinerary Missioner.
- Secretary: Responsible for the administrative and secretarial functions of the Board.
- Other Officers: Such additional officers as may be approved by the National Executive Council.
The National Chief Imam and Missioner, as Chairman, provides leadership and direction in the discharge of the Board’s constitutional responsibilities.
Constitutional Duties and Responsibilities of the Missionary Board
In accordance with Section 82 of the Constitution, the National Missionary Board performs the following functions:
Religious Advisory Responsibilities
Advises the National Executive Council on religious matters, including issues affecting the spiritual development, religious administration and Islamic practices of the Movement.
Enforcement of the Mode of Worship
Applies and enforces the Movement’s approved Mode of Worship and Code of Conduct for Chief Imams, Imams and Alfas across all Missions and at all official religious events.
Training and Development of Religious Personnel
Advises the National Executive Council and Missions on the training and professional development of Chief Imams, Imams and Alfas to maintain high standards of religious scholarship and administration.
Examination and Assessment
Appoints qualified examiners to assess Chief Imams, Imams and Alfas whenever necessary, in accordance with the requirements of the Movement.
Recommendation for Religious Appointments
Recommends suitably qualified Chief Imams, Imams and Alfas to the National Executive Council for appointment by the respective Missions.
Development of Arabic and Islamic Education
Advises Missions on the establishment, maintenance and management of Arabic Schools, thereby supporting the advancement of Islamic education within the Movement.
Supervision of Missionary Committees
Exercises control and supervision over Missionary Committees in the various Missions and ensures that religious ceremonies and rites, including Nikah (marriage), Aqeeqah, burial, Fidau and Walimah, are conducted in accordance with the Movement’s approved Mode of Worship and Code of Conduct.
Institutional Consultation and Reporting
Reports to the National Executive Council on matters requiring initiatives or decisions relating to religious, moral, educational, social or disciplinary issues.
Annual and Periodic Reports
Prepares and submits the Board’s Annual Report for inclusion in the National Conference Report and provides periodic reports to the National Executive Council through the National General Secretary.
Religious Guidelines and Regulations
Recommends appropriate guidelines and regulations to the National Executive Council for the effective management and administration of the Movement’s religious affairs.
Compliance with NEC Directives
Ensures that Missionary Committees across the Missions comply with the decisions, policies and directives issued by the National Executive Council.
These responsibilities collectively establish the Missionary Board as a key institution for religious governance, spiritual development and the preservation of Islamic practices within the Movement.
Constitution of the National Missionary Board — 2026
In furtherance of the constitutional provisions governing the Board, the 34th National Executive Council of the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria, at its meeting held on Sunday, 12th July 2026, approved the constitution of a new 23-member National Missionary Board.
The Board was constituted to strengthen the coordination of religious activities, improve missionary administration and promote effective spiritual leadership across the Movement’s Missions and educational institutions.
The newly constituted Board operates under the chairmanship of the Fifth National Chief Imam and Missioner, Alhaji Imam Musliu Adebola Afisi.
Confirmed Members of the 2026 National Missionary Board
| S/N | Name | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alhaji Chief Imam Musliu Adebola Afisi | National Chief Imam and Missioner / Chairman |
| 2 | Alhaji Chief Imam M. K. Bello | National Itinerary Missioner |
| 3–23 | To be completed upon confirmation of the approved membership list | Members / Officers |
The Board is expected to discharge its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and the directives of the National Executive Council.
Its constitution represents a renewed commitment to strengthening Islamic scholarship, improving missionary coordination and promoting consistency in religious practices across the Movement.
The Role of the National Chief Imam and Missioner
The National Chief Imam and Missioner occupies a central position in the spiritual and religious administration of the Movement.
As the principal spiritual leader and Chairman of the Missionary Board, he is responsible for providing religious guidance, promoting Islamic teachings and overseeing the activities of the Movement’s missionary personnel.
His responsibilities include leading Jumu’ah and Eid prayers, delivering sermons, officiating at official religious functions and state services organised by the Movement, and exercising general supervision over the missionary structure.
Through these functions, the National Chief Imam and Missioner contributes to the preservation of Islamic values, the promotion of unity and the continued spiritual development of members.
Commitment to Islamic Propagation and Institutional Excellence
The National Missionary Board remains an important pillar of the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria.
Its continued relevance lies in its responsibility to safeguard Islamic principles, promote sound religious knowledge, uphold established standards of worship and support the spiritual and moral development of members.
Building upon the legacies of successive National Chief Imams and Missioners, the Board continues to serve as a vital instrument for advancing the religious objectives of the Movement.
Through effective leadership, cooperation with Missions and adherence to constitutional provisions, the Board seeks to strengthen the Movement’s capacity to fulfil its mission of Islamic propagation, education, community development and service to humanity.
May Almighty Allah (SWT) continue to guide the National Missionary Board, grant its members wisdom and sincerity, and bless their efforts towards the advancement of Islam and the Anwar-Ul Islam Movement of Nigeria. Ameen.
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