- Commissioning of ultra-modern Central Mosque in Odo-Noforija
- Goodwill messages from Etsu Nupe, Lady Doja Otedola, and Raji Fashola
- Jumat prayer led by Chief Imam of National Mosque, Abuja
Odo-Noforija Kingdom in Epe Division of Lagos State on Friday witnessed a historic milestone as His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Olaogun Ogunlaja, JP, FMBE, commissioned the ultra-modern Central Mosque, marking a new chapter in the religious and cultural life of the community.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the event drew dignitaries from across the country, including the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Hon. Wahab Alawiye. Also present were the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chairman of the occasion, His Highness Yahaya Abubakar.
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Other royal fathers, including the Ayangbunrin of Ikorodu land, Oloja of EPE land, Other important monarchs, alongside religious leaders, lawmakers, and prominent personalities, graced the occasion.
In his address, Oba Ogunlaja described the commissioning as a moment of fulfillment and gratitude to Almighty Allah.
“Today is a day of divine fulfillment, a day where we witness the transition from a cherished past to a glorious, modern future,” he said.
The monarch recalled the demolition of the historic Ratibi Mosque built in 1830 during the expansion of the Epe–Ijebu Ode Road, noting that despite the loss, the community remained steadfast.
“Despite the magnitude of this loss to our spiritual and cultural identity, we remained steadfast in faith and resilience,” he added.
He commended individuals who contributed to the project, especially Alhaji Abdul Jelili Animashaun, whose support was instrumental to the completion of the mosque.
“I cannot thank you enough. I leave your reward to Almighty Allah,” the monarch stated.
Goodwill messages poured in from dignitaries, with the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, congratulating the monarch and the people of Odo-Noforija, describing the mosque as a symbol of unity and religious harmony.
“The new Central Mosque is a consolidation of the long-time history of peaceful co-existence between Islam and Christianity in the Kingdom,” he stated.
Additional goodwill messages were delivered by Lady Doja Otedola and former Governor Raji Fashola, while Prof. Morufudeen Adeniyi Shittu, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), also conveyed goodwill on behalf of the Vice Chancellor.
The mosque, located along the Epe–Ijebu Ode Expressway, stands as one of the largest in the division, with capacity to accommodate thousands of worshippers.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with a congregational Jumat prayer held at the mosque, led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, marking a spiritually significant end to the historic event.
