Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially ordered the reopening of the Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque, which had been closed since October 18, 2022.
The mosque was originally shut by the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu amid concerns over potential violence in the town due to a leadership dispute surrounding the appointment of the mosque’s imam.
Speaking on Tuesday in Akure during the annual Ramadan Iftar prayer, themed “Iftar With Mr Governor” and organized by the state government in collaboration with the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Governor Aiyedatiwa declared the mosque open to worshippers once again.
He also reinstated Sheikh Abubakar Muhammed Abbas, the Chief Imam prior to the closure, to continue leading Islamic prayers and religious activities in the town.
“Today, with Kabiyesi, Oba Akadri Momoh, the Olukare of Ikare, the Grand Mufti of the state, and the Chief Imam of Ikare present, I hereby declare the Central Mosque of Ikare officially reopened. The Chief Imam will lead prayers in the spirit of unity and love,” the governor said.
Sheikh Abubakar was recently appointed as the State Vice Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas by a committee chaired by the Grand Mufti of Ondo State, Sheikh Shehu Batuta.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision marks the end of a nearly four-year closure and signals renewed collaboration between the state government and religious leaders to foster peace and harmony in Ikare-Akoko.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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