Ondo: Ikare Central Mosque Reopens, Four Years After Closure

By Ayodele Oni

The highlight of Ramadan Iftar hosted by the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Tuesday, was the announcement ordering the reopening of Ikare Central Mosque.

Governor Aiyedatiwa ordered the immediate reopening of the Ikare Akoko Central Mosque which had been shut down almost four years ago.

The Governor gave the order, during an annual Iftar Ramadan fast prayer organised by the state government at the Dome International Event Centre, Alagbaka, Akure.

He also advised those behind the plot to remove Grand Chief Imani of the mosque to bury the idea, following resolution of disagreement which led to the crisis.

Aiyedatiwa also ordered that the Grand Chief Imam of Ikare, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas, would continue to lead islamic Prayers and activities in the town.

The Governor said the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh, as well as the Grand Mufti of Ikare and Ondo state, Sheikh Shehu Batuta and the Grand Chief Imam, Sheikh Abubakar should ensure that the directive of reopening the mosque is effected in the spirit of love and unity.

Sheikh Abubakar was recently appointed as the State Vice Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas by a special committee chaired by Sheikh Shehu Batuta.

The Ondo state government, led by the late Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, had shut down the Ikare Central mosque on October 18, 2022, to prevent violent clashes.

The closure was necessitated by a leadership dispute regarding an alleged plot to remove the Grand Chief Imam, Sheik Abubakar Mohammed Abas by the Ikare Muslim council.

The move caused tension and safety concerns on October 10, 2022, which was rejected by majority of other Islamic bodies in the town and the state.

The latest pronouncement by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday led to massive applause and jubilation at the venue of the Iftar attended by the Olukare, Shehu Batuta and the Chief Imam, while the news also led to commendations and prayers for the Governor across social media platforms.