The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has commissioned a mosque he built and named 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, among 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 prophet 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 Folawuyo 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.”
