Stakeholders and concerned Muslims in Lagos State have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the Imam tussle at Ikeja Central Mosque. They fear that the alleged secret turbanning of an unauthorized person as Imam could lead to violence in the state capital.
At a briefing on Tuesday, the Olowolagba Family of Ikeja, Lagos State, and other stakeholders protested against the alleged secretive turbanning of Kamorudeen of Ilo Family as Imam. They criticized the unlawful procedure of his appointment, noting that the position of the Imam of Ikeja has traditionally rotated between the Balogun and Olowolagba families. The late Alhaji Tijjani Balogun, from the Balogun Family, was the immediate past Imam.
According to the Olowolagba Family, Alhaji Afeez Ayinde Olowolagba is the rightful successor to Alhaji Tijjani Balogun based on established procedures. Alhaji Olowolagba had served as the Deputy Imam for over 16 years and led prayers exclusively for three years while the late Imam was unwell.
Alhaja Rukayat Amoke, a member of the Olowolagba Family, emphasized that they would not tolerate injustice and cheating. She called on the Lagos State Government to intervene and ensure the rightful appointment of the Imam to avoid potential bloodshed.
The stakeholders' plea to Governor Sanwo-Olu underscores the urgent need for intervention to resolve the dispute and maintain peace in Ikeja Central Mosque.
