Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has ordered the immediate reopening of the Ikare Akoko Central Mosque, which has remained shut for nearly four years following a bitter leadership dispute within the town’s Muslim community.
Aiyedatiwa gave the directive on Monday during the state government’s annual Iftar Ramadan prayer held at the Dome International Event Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.
The Governor also directed that the Grand Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheikh Abubakar Muhammed Abbas, would continue to lead Islamic prayers and activities in the town, putting to rest lingering uncertainty over his position.
Aiyedatiwa charged the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, the Grand Mufti of Ikare and Ondo State, Sheikh Shehu Batuta, and the Grand Chief Imam to ensure that the directive was carried out in the spirit of love and unity.
Sheikh Abubakar had recently been appointed State Vice Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas by a special committee chaired by Sheikh Shehu Batuta.
The Ikare Central Mosque was shut down on October 18, 2022, by the then administration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu following a volatile leadership dispute in which the Ikare Muslim Council was alleged to have plotted the removal of Sheikh Abubakar from his position as Grand Chief Imam.
The controversy had triggered tension and safety concerns in the town on October 10, 2022, and was rejected by a majority of Islamic bodies across Ikare and the wider Ondo State.
The Governor’s announcement on Tuesday drew thunderous applause and jubilation at the Iftar event, which was attended by the Olukare, Sheikh Batuta and the Chief Imam, while commendations and prayers for Aiyedatiwa poured in across social media platforms.
The reopening of the mosque is widely seen as a milestone that will restore spiritual harmony and communal goodwill among sons and daughters of Ikare Akoko.
