Why I built mosque, named it after Tinubu’s mother – Primate Ayodele

Leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has said he built a mosque and named it after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mother following divine instruction.

The newly built mosque in Oke-Afa, Lagos, named Abibatu Mogaji, the late Tinubu’s mother was unveiled on February 14 during Ayodele’s annual thanksgiving programme, which attracted political, religious and community leaders.

Among those represented at the event was the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and Tinubu’s daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo. Others in attendance included delegates of Governor Agbu Kefas, House of Representatives member Joe Oke, Seifudeen Ayinla, Isa Olakunle, Idris Balogun, Adebayo Olasoju, and the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo.

Ayodele explained that he initially planned to give the mosque another name but later decided to name it after Abibatu Mogaji, based on what he described as divine direction.

He dismissed suggestions that the gesture was politically motivated or done in anticipation of any appointment, insisting it should not be seen as an endorsement of the president.

Speaking at the event, Ayodele said the mosque was built following what he described as a divine instruction, adding that he would hand it over to a Muslim cleric to manage. He stressed that he would not be involved in its day-to-day operations.

“Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore. It is a place of worship just as we have churches. I am only answerable to God,” he said.

A Muslim cleric at the event described the project as a symbol of unity and tolerance, noting that it demonstrated the difference between religious identity and personal character. He added that the gesture reflected the spirit of coexistence among Nigerians.

During the programme, Ayodele also distributed empowerment items to beneficiaries, including vehicles, tricycles, minibuses, WAEC forms, accommodation support, sewing machines and household appliances.

Abibatu Mogaji, a prominent market leader, served as the Iyaloja of Lagos before being recognised as the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. She was influential in Lagos market associations and died in 2013.