Nigerian Pastor Completes Mosque Construction Following Divine Instruction
In a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has finalized plans to commission a newly constructed mosque. The inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, as a significant component of the cleric's annual 21-day thanksgiving program, which commenced in January and will conclude on February 15.
Divine Mandate Drives Unprecedented Project
Primate Ayodele has emphatically clarified that his decision to build a mosque does not signify any intention to alter his Christian faith. Instead, he attributes the initiative to a divine instruction received several years ago. The pastor explained that this project reflects his longstanding positive relationships with members of the Islamic community, noting that his church has consistently welcomed Muslim worshippers and that he has frequently been invited to speak at Islamic gatherings.
"My decision to build a mosque is not because I want to become a Muslim, but a direct representation of what God told me to do," Primate Ayodele stated. "I have Muslims attending my church, I attend Muslim programmes to preach when I am called upon, and I have several Muslim friends, so following the God-given instruction was not too hard for me."
Promoting Global Religious Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence
The construction of a mosque by a prominent Christian leader carries a profound message of religious tolerance that extends beyond Nigeria's borders. Primate Ayodele highlighted that divisions rooted in religious differences often fuel conflicts worldwide, and mutual respect can foster a more harmonious global society.
"Beyond being a divine instruction, this is a message of religious tolerance across the globe," he remarked. "If we can resolve the issue of religion in the world, it would definitely be a better place for all of us. I love everyone, regardless of their religion or tribe, and building a mosque further showcases that. God created everyone equally; we should not celebrate things that further divide us."
Complete Handover to Islamic Community
Regarding the administration of the mosque, Primate Ayodele has committed to a full and unconditional handover to the Islamic community. The mosque will be named in honor of the late mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and its operations will be entirely managed by Muslim authorities without any interference from the church.
"By God's grace, the mosque will be named after the late mother of President Tinubu, and we will be handing over its operations to the Islamic community without any interference," he affirmed.
Background of Interfaith Engagement
Primate Ayodele's interfaith efforts are not new. His church has historically maintained an open-door policy for worshippers of all faiths, and he has actively participated in Islamic events as a speaker. This project is seen as a natural extension of his commitment to fostering understanding and unity among diverse religious groups.
The initiative comes at a time when religious tensions occasionally surface in Nigeria, making this gesture particularly significant. It underscores the potential for collaborative efforts to bridge divides and promote national cohesion.
Broader Context of Primate Ayodele's Activities
Earlier, Primate Ayodele gained attention for issuing a prophetic warning to President Tinubu regarding potential political consequences if the Federal Government proceeds with controversial tax reforms in 2026. His New Year prophecy linked these reforms to growing public discontent, reflecting his active engagement in national issues beyond religious matters.
This mosque project, however, stands out as a tangible contribution to interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding, demonstrating how religious leaders can play pivotal roles in advancing social harmony.
