Prominent Christian Cleric Builds Mosque, Names It After Tinubu’s Mother

A rare display of interfaith unity played out in Lagos as a prominent Christian cleric unveiled a newly built mosque and named it after the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The mosque was commissioned by the leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele. The event took place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Oke-Afa, Isolo area of Lagos State. It formed part of activities marking his annual thanksgiving programme.

The cleric said the project was strictly an act of obedience to God. He explained that the mosque was not built for personal gain or public approval.

According to him, it is simply a place dedicated to the worship of God and nothing more.

He added that the mosque would not be managed by his church. A Muslim cleric was formally presented to take full responsibility for its administration. Primate Ayodele stressed that he would have no involvement in its operations.

“Building this mosque isn’t because I want attention or anything from anyone; it was a divine instruction that I cannot ignore. It’s a place of worship just as we have churches, and I am not afraid of what anyone might say about this. I am only answerable to God, so whatever anyone says doesn’t matter to me as long as God is pleased with me.”

Explaining the decision to name the mosque after President Tinubu’s mother, Mrs. Abibatu Mogaji, the cleric said it was also a divine directive. He revealed that he initially proposed a different name but was instructed to change it.

“People see me as someone who hates Tinubu or as an APC critic, and I think that’s why Governor Sanwo-Olu doesn’t respond to our letter of invitation, but it doesn’t matter. I named it not because I want Tinubu to give me an appointment or anything at all. I initially wanted to name it Folawuyo Mosque, but God said no. God chose the name. If anyone likes, they can condemn me; I don’t care. We have done it already.”

The commissioning attracted a wide range of dignitaries across religious, political, and traditional institutions. Among those present were representatives of the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, who sent delegates in her stead. Also in attendance were representatives of the Taraba State governor, the Etsu Nupe, lawmakers, traditional rulers, senior Islamic scholars, and local government chairmen from Lagos communities.

One of the Muslim clerics invited to the event stirred emotions when he began his remarks by singing Christian hymns. He praised Primate Ayodele for what he described as a strong message of unity beyond religion. He quoted Proverbs 3:3 to underline the importance of love and character over religious labels.

“This is a sign that we are one, and we will always reciprocate. Our father loves Primate so much, and we thank God for what he has done. There is a difference between religion and character. With this act, Primate Ayodele has shown that we are one, as stated in Proverbs 3:3.”

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, speaking through his representative, urged Nigerians to fear God and avoid religious conflicts. He described Primate Ayodele as a man sent by God and compared his role to that of Prophet Elias as referenced in the Holy Quran.

“There is no one who does not know God, and that is why we should all fear Him. Primate Ayodele Elijah has been sent by God, and that is why he is able to do this. His name, Elijah, has significance in the Holy Quran, and everything he is doing aligns with the character in the Quran. We also want to urge everyone not to fight because of religion; we need unity across the board.”

The Etsu Nupe also offered prayers for the cleric and called on other religious leaders to follow his example. He noted that such actions could help heal divisions across the country.

Beyond the mosque project, the cleric announced several empowerment initiatives. These included the donation of about five vehicles, tricycles, minibuses, free WAEC forms, accommodation support for beneficiaries, sewing machines for tailors, and household appliances such as televisions and refrigerators.

Traditional rulers present openly commended the initiative. The Osolo of Isolo Kingdom praised Primate Ayodele for prioritising the welfare of ordinary people. He said the cleric’s actions showed true leadership and genuine service to humanity.

“I appreciate you for all you have been doing. If we have more pastors like this, the world would be a better place, but most of them just want to buy private jets. I am happy that what you desire is not a private jet. What you have done is more than that.”

The Eze Ndigbo of the area also expressed gratitude and pledged continued support from the Igbo community. He went further to promise assistance to a man battling kidney disease and awaiting a transplant.

“Thank you, my good daddy, Primate Ayodele. The Lord who gave you this knowledge will take you higher, and I wish you many more years. I have known you for so long, and I declare that every support you need from the Igbo community will be granted.”

The event ended with prayers, goodwill messages, and renewed calls for peace and unity across religious and ethnic lines.