After over twenty (20) years of serious work, the Muslim community in Igbogbo and their counterparts elsewhere led by the monarch of the town and other dignitaries gathered along Odofin Road on the Friday preceding the commencement of Ramadan period April 2019 commissioned the 1000 capacity Igbogbo Central Mosque to the glory of Allah.
His Majesty Oba Semiudeem Orimadegun Kasali, Adeborunwa, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, one of those who facilitated that completion of the mosque led his people to the colourful ceremony which timing was auspicious.
Judging by the quality of the mosque, it would have taken nearly half a century to be completed if not for the influence of Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali and one illustrious Igbogbo son, Segun Ogunlewe both of who used their goodwill with Governor Ambode to get the state government assistance to complete the mosque.
Chief Ogunleye, Prince in Igbogbo and a Christian joined hand with Pa Odusanya a retired Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Education along with Oba Semiu to get a sympathetic and supportive ear from Governor Ambode who offset the cost of completing the mosque project.
Observers give kudos to the state leaders noting that this is not the first time a Christian Governor of the State will help Muslims to build their mosque, a notable example is the Alausa Central Mosque.
Oriwu Sun gathered that the three prominent Igbogbo sons had requested Ambode’s assistance and the Governor asked for estimate of the cost of completion of the mosque. When the information was provided, the Christian governor did not hesitate to offset the bill.
No wonder Igbogbo Muslims rolled out the drums and red carpets
on that day of commissioning of the mosque. All the who is who in Islam in Ikorodu, Lagos State and beyond were in attendance. So were dignitaries from across the state and the South West.
Governor Ambode sent the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem to represent him.
An excited Oba Semiu Semiudeen Kasali expressed gratitude to Allah for what he had done for the community. He told Oriwu Sun that he was glad that this good tiding was taking place during his reign.
The event which lasted about four (4) hours from 10a.m was full of colour and splendor. It was music, prayer and celebration galore.
Dr. AbdulHakeem delivered a beautify lecture centered in Humanity to make the opening of the central mosque which a quantity surveyor estimated at over two hundred (200) million to build especially given the quality of materials used in the building and the furnishings.
He delivered Ambode’s goodwill message to the Muslim community and Igbogbo people in general promising them that the new road under construction from Ebute through Igbe to Oreyo will be completed under the new regime as he had planned to do if he came for a second term.
After the formal commissioning of the mosque the congregation went in for the Friday Jumat service in the new ultra-modern mosque blistering with gold sliver, brass and bronze colours. The quality tiles provide mirage reflections which give visual delights.
Who say, Igbogbo people are not making waves and forging ahead in unity?
Observers are giving kudos to Oba Semiu, Ogunlewe, PA Ogunsanya and others who made this completion to be fast tracked. They are urging Ikorodu town to emulate Igbogbo by building another Central Mosque for the town since the one at …………. Is overdue for replacement.
For Igbogbo people that day will not be easily forgotten. It signaled that the town was on the rise again.