Governor Makinde Worships With Muslim Faithfuls, Reveals Plan To Demolish Mosque In Oyo

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde is planning to spend N8 billion in reconstructing the popular Iwo Road interchange, and it will require the demolition of a mosque, among other buildings, to pave way for the construction of a new bus terminal in Ibadan, the stairs capital.

Governor Makinde disclosed this on Friday when he joined the Muslim faithful to observe the Jumah service at the Adogba Central Mosque, Iwo Road, Ibadan.

He informed the Muslim faithful at the mosque that the decision to demolish the mosque twas part of government’s plan to make Ibadan a befitting state capital, and that the project would be completed between nine and eleven months.

The Governor added that a church along the interchange area would also be demolished, refuting the insinuation that the demolition had religion undertone.

He stated further that the State Government had made provision for new land for the building of a befitting mosque for the Adogba congregation, promising to personally spearhead the finance for the building of the new mosque. Makinde said:

“The main reason I decided to come here is, there are reports that the State Government wants to demolish the Adogba Mosque. Yes, it is true. The church that is close to this mosque will equally be demolished but I want it to be on record that, first, I worship in the mosque today. Second, what we want to do to this mosque can be likened to the popular saying that suggests that the palace of a king that gets destroyed can only get beautiful later.

“I make bold to tell you that we won’t demolish it and not rebuild a better mosque. They have looked for another land that is close to where we are and I will ensure that I donate personal money to begin the building of the new Adogba Mosque. I built a mosque at Omituntun House. The new mosque will be twice bigger in terms of size than this current one and will be a reference point. We will have a meeting with those that are running the mosque to see how we can achieve this.

“Also, we will try and cushion the effect of the demolition for those who trade around the mosque and may be badly affected by our action. We don’t want to run a government that will demolish and not compensate or make plans for those who may be affected.”

The Governor, therefore, appealed to the Muslim faithful to support the decision for the overall development of the State.

Governor Makinde attended the Jumah service alongside his deputy, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan; the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr AbdulMojeed Mogbonjubola; other appointees and top civil servants in the State.