The Wakilu Muslim of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Awwal, has appealed to the Ogun State Government to shelve its planned demolition of the Ibara Housing Estate Mosque located in the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA), Abeokuta.
Sheikh Awwal, who also serves as Consultant on Islamic Matters to the Governor, made the appeal on Monday during an interaction with PLATFORM TIMES, calling for calm and continued dialogue over the issue.
The cleric commended the leadership of the Ibara Housing Estate Mosque for cautioning politicians against exploiting the controversy to incite crisis, describing their intervention as a show of maturity and responsibility.
PLATFORM TIMES had earlier reported that the state government issued a quit notice to the mosque, sparking outrage among several Muslim groups who condemned the planned demolition of the 25-year-old worship centre.
Addressing the reactions, Sheikh Awwal explained that his initial message on the issue was aimed at dousing tension and fostering peaceful engagement between the government and the Muslim community.
According to him, “My first message was to persuade our people to avoid any violent reaction because I wanted to beg the government to reconsider the plan to demolish the mosque. For those who misunderstood my intention, I want to assure our ummah that efforts are ongoing to resolve the matter peacefully.”
He added, “On behalf of Islamic leaders in Ogun State, I am appealing to the government to leave the mosque for us. I have been engaging the authorities, and I am optimistic that our plea will yield positive results. The governor is a promise keeper; since he assumed office, he has not demolished any mosque, church, or private property.”
Meanwhile, the executive committee of the Ibara Housing Estate Mosque has urged politicians to refrain from politicising the government’s quit notice, assuring worshippers and the wider Muslim community that the matter is being handled with wisdom and restraint.
The mosque leadership also appealed to Muslims across the state and beyond to remain calm and prayerful, expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved amicably.
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