Outstanding Christian Cleric Builds Mosque, Names It After Tinubu’s Mom
A uncommon show of interfaith unity performed out in Lagos as a outstanding Christian cleric unveiled a newly constructed mosque and named it after the mom of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The mosque was commissioned by the chief of INRI Evangelical Religious Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele. The occasion happened on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Oke-Afa, Isolo space of Lagos State. It fashioned a part of actions marking his annual thanksgiving programme.
The cleric stated the challenge was strictly an act of obedience to God. He defined that the mosque was not constructed for private achieve or public approval.
Based on him, it’s merely a spot devoted to the worship of God and nothing extra.
He added that the mosque wouldn’t be managed by his church. A Muslim cleric was formally offered to take full duty for its administration. Primate Ayodele harassed that he would don’t have any involvement in its operations.
“Constructing this mosque isn’t as a result of I need consideration or something from anybody; it was a divine instruction that I can’t ignore. It’s a spot of worship simply as we’ve church buildings, and I’m not afraid of what anybody would possibly say about this. I’m solely answerable to God, so no matter anybody says doesn’t matter to me so long as God is happy with me.”
Explaining the choice to call the mosque after President Tinubu’s mom, Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji, the cleric stated it was additionally a divine directive. He revealed that he initially proposed a unique identify however was instructed to vary it.
“Folks see me as somebody who hates Tinubu or as an APC critic, and I feel that’s why Governor Sanwo-Olu doesn’t reply to our a call for participation, but it surely doesn’t matter. I named it not as a result of I need Tinubu to provide me an appointment or something in any respect. I initially wished to call it Folawuyo Mosque, however God stated no. God selected the identify. If anybody likes, they’ll condemn me; I don’t care. We’ve completed it already.”
The commissioning attracted a variety of dignitaries throughout non secular, political, and conventional establishments. Amongst these current had been representatives of the Iyaloja-Common of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, who despatched delegates in her stead. Additionally in attendance had been representatives of the Taraba State governor, the Etsu Nupe, lawmakers, conventional rulers, senior Islamic students, and native authorities chairmen from Lagos communities.
One of many Muslim clerics invited to the occasion stirred feelings when he started his remarks by singing Christian hymns. He praised Primate Ayodele for what he described as a powerful message of unity past faith. He quoted Proverbs 3:3 to underline the significance of affection and character over non secular labels.
“This can be a signal that we’re one, and we’ll all the time reciprocate. Our father loves Primate a lot, and we thank God for what he has completed. There’s a distinction between faith and character. With this act, Primate Ayodele has proven that we’re one, as said in Proverbs 3:3.”
Equally, the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, talking by means of his consultant, urged Nigerians to concern God and keep away from non secular conflicts. He described Primate Ayodele as a person despatched by God and in contrast his position to that of Prophet Elias as referenced within the Holy Quran.
“There isn’t any one who doesn’t know God, and that’s the reason we must always all concern Him. Primate Ayodele Elijah has been despatched by God, and that’s the reason he’s ready to do that. His identify, Elijah, has significance within the Holy Quran, and every little thing he’s doing aligns with the character within the Quran. We additionally need to urge everybody to not battle due to faith; we’d like unity throughout the board.”
The Etsu Nupe additionally supplied prayers for the cleric and referred to as on different non secular leaders to comply with his instance. He famous that such actions might assist heal divisions throughout the nation.
Past the mosque challenge, the cleric introduced a number of empowerment initiatives. These included the donation of about 5 autos, tricycles, minibuses, free WAEC kinds, lodging assist for beneficiaries, stitching machines for tailors, and family home equipment comparable to televisions and fridges.
Conventional rulers current overtly counseled the initiative. The Osolo of Isolo Kingdom praised Primate Ayodele for prioritising the welfare of bizarre folks. He stated the cleric’s actions confirmed true management and real service to humanity.
“I recognize you for all you could have been doing. If we’ve extra pastors like this, the world can be a greater place, however most of them simply need to purchase personal jets. I’m glad that what you need shouldn’t be a personal jet. What you could have completed is greater than that.”
The Eze Ndigbo of the world additionally expressed gratitude and pledged continued assist from the Igbo neighborhood. He went additional to vow help to a person battling kidney illness and awaiting a transplant.
“Thanks, my good daddy, Primate Ayodele. The Lord who gave you this information will take you greater, and I want you a lot extra years. I’ve recognized you for therefore lengthy, and I declare that each assist you want from the Igbo neighborhood will likely be granted.”
The occasion ended with prayers, goodwill messages, and renewed requires peace and unity throughout non secular and ethnic strains.