Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially reopened the Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque, which had been closed since October 18, 2022.
The mosque was previously shut by former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu amid fears of violence over a leadership dispute concerning the appointment of the mosque’s imam.
Speaking at the annual Ramadan Iftar prayer in Akure, themed “Iftar With Mr Governor” and organized in collaboration with the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Aiyedatiwa declared the mosque open to worshippers once more.
He also reinstated Sheikh Abubakar Muhammed Abbas as Chief Imam to lead 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 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.
The reopening ends a nearly four-year closure and highlights renewed collaboration between the state government and religious leaders to promote peace and harmony in Ikare-Akoko.
