The founder and leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Oke-Afa, Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has commissioned a newly built mosque dedicated to the memory of President Bola Tinubu’s late mother, Abibatu Mogaji, describing the project as a spiritual mandate he was compelled to obey.
Gatekeepers News reports that the commissioning ceremony took place on Saturday during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme at Oke-Afa, Lagos, attracting prominent figures from religious, political, traditional, and entertainment backgrounds.
Although President Tinubu’s first daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, was unable to attend, she was represented by delegates. Also in attendance was the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, who was represented by his special adviser on Islamic matters, alongside several Muslim and Christian clerics from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Ayodele said the decision to build the mosque followed what he described as a clear divine instruction, stressing that the project had nothing to do with personal gain, political alignment, or public recognition. He explained that the mosque, like a church, is simply a place of worship dedicated to God and should not be seen as unusual or controversial.
“Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore,” he said. “I am only answerable to God, so whatever anyone says doesn’t matter to me as long as God is pleased with me.”
Ayodele disclosed that the mosque was initially to be named Folawuyo Mosque but said he later received a spiritual directive to rename it after Abibatu Mogaji in honour of her legacy and contributions to society. He dismissed suggestions that the gesture was politically motivated or aimed at seeking favours, appointments, or reconciliation over past criticisms of the ruling party and President Tinubu.
At the ceremony, the cleric formally handed over the mosque to a Muslim leader for its management and religious activities, reiterating that he would not interfere in its administration.
Muslim scholars and clerics present at the event commended the gesture, describing it as a powerful demonstration of interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. One Islamic cleric, who opened the session with Christian hymns before reciting from the Quran, referenced Proverbs 3:3 to praise Ayodele, saying the act symbolised unity beyond religious boundaries and pledged continued cooperation between faith communities.
Similarly, a representative of the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division described Ayodele as a genuine servant of God, drawing parallels between his name, Elijah, and the prophetic figure recognised in Islamic tradition. He urged Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance, mutual respect, and unity, warning that religious conflicts only weaken national cohesion.
The event ended with prayers for peace, national stability, and continued harmony among Nigeria’s diverse religious groups.
