Christian Leader Primate Ayodele Builds and Commissions Mosque in Lagos, Names It After Tinubu's Mother
In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony, Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele, the spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church in Lagos, has commissioned a mosque he personally built, naming it in honor of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's late mother, Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji. The event, held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Oke-Afa in Lagos State, was part of his annual thanksgiving ceremony and has since sparked widespread discussion and trending photos online.
Divine Instruction Drives Mosque Construction
Primate Ayodele explained that the construction of the mosque was not for personal gain or attention but followed a divine instruction he felt compelled to obey. He emphasized that the mosque is simply a house of worship for God, similar to churches, and he has no interest in its operations, having handed it over to a Muslim cleric during the commissioning. "Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore," he stated. "I am only answerable to God, so whatever anyone says doesn’t matter to me as long as God is pleased."
High-Profile Attendance and Unity Message
The commissioning ceremony attracted a diverse array of dignitaries, underscoring its significance in promoting unity. Attendees included:
- Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and daughter of President Tinubu, represented by delegates.
- Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State, represented by his special adviser on Islamic matters.
- Delegates of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
- Joe Oke, House of Representatives member for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II.
- Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Ayinla, chief imam of Ikorodu division.
- Traditional rulers such as the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle.
- Local government officials, including chairmen of Egbe/Idimu and Isolo LCDAs.
This gathering highlighted the event's role in fostering cooperation across religious, traditional, political, and entertainment sectors, with followers noting it as a beacon of unity in Nigeria's diverse society.
Naming After Tinubu's Mother: A Divine Choice
When asked about naming the mosque after President Tinubu's mother, Primate Ayodele revealed that it was divinely directed. He initially considered naming it after someone else but felt God instructed him to change it to honor Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji. "People see me as someone who hates Tinubu or as an APC critic, and I think that is why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not respond to our letter of invitation, but it does not matter," he said. "I named it not because I want Tinubu to give me an appointment or anything at all. God chose the name."
Broader Context and Previous Statements
Primate Ayodele is known for his outspoken views on Nigerian politics and security. Earlier, he had alleged that some politicians are shielding terrorists like Bello Turji, hindering military efforts, while acknowledging progress under President Tinubu's administration but calling for more action against bandits. This mosque project, however, shifts focus to his spiritual commitments and interfaith initiatives, resonating with his role as a Christian leader promoting religious tolerance.
The commissioning has been widely shared on social media and blogs, with photos trending and sparking conversations about religious coexistence in Nigeria. As a prominent figure, Primate Ayodele's actions continue to influence public discourse, blending prophecy, politics, and faith in unique ways that capture national attention.
