LAGOS – In a rare display of interfaith harmony that has captured national attention, Primate Elijah Ayodele, Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, officially commissioned a newly built mosque on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The place of worship, located in the Oke-Afa area of Lagos State, has been named the Abibatu Mogaji Mosque, in honour of the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The unveiling took place during the Primate’s annual thanksgiving ceremony, drawing a massive crowd of religious, political, and traditional leaders.
Addressing the audience, Primate Ayodele clarified that the project was not a political move but a response to a spiritual mandate.
He revealed that he originally intended to name the mosque after a different individual but was divinely instructed to name it after the late Iyaloja-General, Abibatu Mogaji.
"Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore.
“I am not afraid of what anyone might say. I am only answerable to God,” Ayodele stated.
The Primate handed the keys over to a Muslim cleric during the event, emphasising that he would have no involvement in the mosque's daily operations or Islamic leadership.
The event saw a high-profile turnout, reflecting the cross-cultural impact of the gesture.
Attendees included: Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo (Iyaloja-General of Nigeria), represented by a high-powered delegation, Dr Agbu Kefas (Governor of Taraba State), represented by his Special Adviser on Islamic Matters,
representatives of the Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Ayinla (Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division), and Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle (The Osolo of Isolo).
Muslim clerics at the event praised the Primate’s character, with one leading Islamic scholar quoting Proverbs 3:3 to highlight the shared values of kindness and truth.
The Chief Imam of Ikorodu added that Ayodele’s actions align with the virtues of Prophet Elias as recorded in the Holy Quran.
Beyond the mosque commissioning, the day served as a massive empowerment hub for the local community.
Primate Ayodele distributed a staggering array of items to alleviate economic hardship, including; Five cars, multiple tricycles (Keke Marwa), and minibuses, hundreds of free WAEC forms for students, industrial sewing machines and home appliances (TVs, refrigerators, washing machines), alongside direct payments for rent and accommodation for indigent families.
The Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle, commended the cleric for choosing philanthropy over luxury.
"Most pastors just want to buy private jets. What you have done is more than that. You are supporting the government by assisting the people with your resources,” the monarch noted.
The ceremony concluded with the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo pledging the continued support of the Igbo community and offering financial aid to a patient battling kidney disease, further cementing the event's theme of national unity.
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