BTvNEWS

BTV communications strategist urges Ondo State Government, Islamic leaders, and Yoruba Muslims to rescue the mosque from further deterioration following a troubling account by MCON’s First Vice President.

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, Abuja-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: AKURE, ONDO STATE — Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku, CEO and Head of Communication, Research, and Strategies at BTV Online TV, Radio and Publication, has raised serious concerns over the apparent neglect of the Akure Central Mosque following a firsthand account shared by the First Vice President of the Muslim Council of Nigeria (MCON), Alhaji AbdulLateef Fadare, regarding his experience at the mosque on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

According to information obtained by this reporter, Alhaji Fadare was in Akure earlier in the week and visited the Akure Central Mosque with the intention of observing the Subh prayer.

Upon arriving at the mosque during the early hours of the morning, he was reportedly surprised to find both the mosque building and its entrance gates securely locked, thereby preventing worshippers from accessing one of the state’s most prominent Islamic centres.

The account further disclosed that an elderly woman around the mosque’s adjoining shops assisted by knocking on the gate, prompting a security guard to emerge from within the premises.

When Alhaji Fadare informed the guard of his intention to observe his prayer, the security personnel reportedly responded that the mosque was only opened on Fridays for Jumu’ah prayers, a situation that has raised concerns about the administration and accessibility of the facility.

During his visit, Alhaji Fadare also reportedly observed that the mosque environment appeared untidy, poorly maintained, and generally neglected.

The condition of the mosque, strategically situated on Oba Adesida Road opposite the central market in Akure, has become a growing source of concern among Muslims and community stakeholders who regard it as a significant symbol of Islamic heritage and identity in Ondo State.

Further findings reportedly revealed that the mosque has been battling a serious water supply challenge, a development believed to have contributed significantly to its deteriorating state.

As a result, Alhaji Fadare was compelled to proceed to another mosque located approximately 600 metres away in order to fulfil his prayer obligation.

Reacting to the development, Comrade AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejumo-Ajeseku described the situation as regrettable, disturbing, and unbecoming of a state central mosque.

He noted that the reported condition of the mosque points to a broader challenge that requires immediate attention and collective action from both government authorities and the Muslim community.

He cautioned that prolonged neglect could expose the facility to misuse while gradually diminishing its relevance as a centre for worship, religious learning, and community development.

The BTV communications strategist further expressed concern that the circumstances surrounding the mosque may reinforce perceptions of inadequate attention and support for Islamic institutions within Ondo State.

He emphasised that a central mosque should remain open, functional, hygienic, and adequately maintained to serve the spiritual needs of worshippers and visitors on a daily basis.

Comrade Adejumo-Ajeseku therefore called on the Executive Governor of Ondo State to urgently intervene through the provision of sustainable water infrastructure, rehabilitation of critical facilities, environmental sanitation measures, and the establishment of effective management structures for the mosque.

He also appealed to religious leaders, Islamic scholars, community stakeholders, philanthropists, and the entire Yoruba Muslim community in Ondo State to unite in addressing the challenges confronting the mosque, ensuring that it is restored and preserved as a thriving symbol of faith, unity, service, and Islamic heritage for present and future generations.