Oba Ogunlaja Inaugurates BOT and Planning Committee

Oba Ogunlaja inaugurated the BOT and Planning Committee for the new Noforija Central Mosque.
The monarch funded the mosque after the old one was demolished during road expansion.
He emphasized unity and peace, noting that northern rulers will attend the commissioning.

The Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja (JP), has officially inaugurated the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Planning Committee for the upcoming commissioning of the newly constructed Odo-Noforija Kingdom Central Mosque.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the event took place on Sunday at the palace courtyard, attracting religious leaders, community heads, and dignitaries from within and outside Epe Division.

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Speaking at the inauguration, Oba Ogunlaja recounted the journey that led to the construction of the mosque.

He explained that during the administration of former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the expansion of the Epe–Ijebu-Ode road led to the demolition of the First African Church and the community mosque in Noforija.

“When the road was being constructed, our church and our mosque were demolished,” he said. “I wrote to the Government, requesting that both buildings be reconstructed, but there was no immediate response.

I understood because the Government has many issues to address, especially with the state of the economy.”

Determined not to leave the community without a place of worship, the monarch said he took personal responsibility for the mosque project.

With support from friends, family members, and well-wishers during his 20th Coronation Anniversary, Oba Ogunlaja mobilized resources to build the new mosque.

“I took it upon myself, and with the support of friends and family during my 20th Coronation Anniversary, we were able to put up this beautiful mosque,” he stated.

Though he is not a Muslim, the monarch emphasized that his leadership prioritizes unity, harmony, and fairness for all religious groups in the kingdom.

“Even though I am not a Muslim, I made it clear that whichever worship center gets completed first should be accepted by all,” he noted. “We are one family in Noforija, and peace among us is very important.”

Oba Ogunlaja revealed that northern traditional rulers and Islamic leaders will grace the commissioning ceremony. According to him, they expressed excitement upon hearing that a non-Muslim monarch built a mosque for his people.

“When the northern traditional rulers heard of this project, they were impressed. They said it reflects the true spirit of unity,” he added.

The monarch encouraged all residents of Noforija and Epe Division to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and supporting the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The President is trying his best to reposition Nigeria,” he said. “Let us be patient, love one another, and work together for a better country.”

The inauguration ended with prayers and the formal presentation of BOT and Planning Committee members.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES (BOT) – Odo-Noforija Kingdom Central Mosque