Iyaloja-General to Commission Mosque Built by Primate Ayodele
The Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, is scheduled to commission a newly constructed mosque built by the renowned Nigerian cleric, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The religious facility, which was first unveiled on February 14, has been named in honor of the late Madam Abibatu Mogaji, the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and grandmother to the Iyaloja-General.
During the initial unveiling, Tinubu-Ojo was represented by a delegation of Iyalojas and Babalojas, but she has confirmed her physical presence for the formal commissioning this Saturday to honor the legacy of her late grandmother and the spirit of the project.
Addressing the decision to build a mosque as a Christian leader, Primate Ayodele emphasized that the project was a result of divine instruction rather than a search for public approval or political favor.
He stated that the initiative serves as a tangible message of unity in a country often divided by faith, asserting that Jesus Christ preached love rather than rigid religious divisions.
The Primate added that he is answerable only to God regarding his philanthropic and interfaith efforts, urging Nigerians to prioritize human welfare and contribution to humanity over religious labels or fanaticism.
The unveiling ceremony, which coincided with the Primate’s annual thanksgiving program, also featured an extensive empowerment drive aimed at supporting journalists, church members, and the less privileged.
Key highlights of the donations included five vehicles, tricycles, and minibuses for commercial use, alongside numerous WAEC scholarships for students and accommodation payments for families in need. Additionally, a wide array of essential home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, and mattresses were distributed to the community.
The commissioning of a mosque named after the legendary Madam Abibatu Mogaji—herself a former Iyaloja-General and a titan of Nigerian commerce symbolizes a unique bridge between traditional market leadership and modern religious tolerance.
By naming the mosque after a Muslim matriarch, Primate Ayodele’s gesture is seen by observers as a strategic move to foster peace in Nigeria’s multi-faith landscape. For the Iyaloja-General, the event represents a deeply personal tribute to her family’s heritage while reinforcing her role as a national leader who transcends sectarian boundaries to promote collective progress.
