The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah
Ayodele, has commissioned a Mosque he built, naming it after the mother of
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mrs Abibatu Mogaji.
The commissioning took place during his annual thanksgiving
ceremony on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Oke-Afa, Lagos State.
The event was attended by several dignitaries from the religious,
traditional, political, and entertainment sectors, amongst others.
Among the dignitaries were the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs.
Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the first daughter of President Tinubu, who sent several
delegates due to her unavoidable absence; the Governor of Taraba State, Dr.
Agbu Kefas, represented by his Special Adviser on Islamic Matters; delegates of
the Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; the House of Representatives member
representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, Hon. Joe Oke; the Chief Imam
of Ikorodu Division, Sheikh Seifudeen Ademoritan Ayinla; the Osolo of Isolo,
Oba Isa Abiodun Olakunle; the Chairman of Egbe/Idimu LCDA, Hon. Idris Balogun;
the Chairman of Isolo LCDA, Hon. Adebayo Olasoju; and the Eze Ndigbo of Ejigbo,
among others.
Speaking on the mosque commissioning, Primate Ayodele explained
that it is simply a house of worship for God and that it was a divine
instruction given to him, which he would not dare to go against.
The cleric stated that the mosque would be handed over to a Muslim
cleric, whom he presented to the audience during the event, making it clear
that he has no interest in the operations of the mosque “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.”
When asked about the reason for naming the mosque after Tinubu’s
mother, Primate Ayodele revealed that it was God who gave him that direction
and that he had initially wanted to name it after someone else, but God
instructed him 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 Folawiyo
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.”
While speaking on the mosque building, one of the invited Muslim
clerics, who began his speech by singing Christian hymns, appreciated Primate
Ayodele for promoting unity through the prayer house he built for Muslims. He
quoted Proverbs 3:3 while commending the prophet for his decision.
“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.”
Likewise, the Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, through his
representative, preached on the need to fear God. He affirmed that God has indeed
sent Primate Ayodele as a true prophet, comparing him to Prophet Elias 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.”
Continuing, the Etsu Nupe prayed for Primate Ayodele and called on
other clerics to emulate the good works the prophet is doing.
“I thank God for our prophet. God will always see you through. We
see the good things you do, and God will always be with you. If we have more
people like you in the country, we will be much more united.”
Apart from the mosque donation, Primate Ayodele engaged in
extensive empowerment programmes, including the donation of about five
vehicles, multiple tricycles and minibuses, free WAEC forms, accommodation
payments, sewing machines to tailors’ associations, and home appliances such as
televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines, among others.
While speaking, the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom applauded Primate
Ayodele for his philanthropic works and his decision to sacrifice personal
comfort for the sake of humanity. He noted that the prophet is supporting the
government by assisting the people.
“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. There are many churches in Nigeria, but I
have never seen anyone do something like this—selling items at subsidised
prices and giving to the people. Unity is very important for our nation, and
you have brought everyone together with your own resources. I am so happy to
witness this today.”
Furthermore, the Eze Ndigbo praised the man of God for his wisdom
and declared that the Igbo community will always support him. He also promised
to assist an ailing man, Emmanuel Udoh, who is battling kidney disease and is
due for 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.”
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