Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Ends Four Year Closure of Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque Following Leadership Tussle

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ends the 2022 closure of Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque. Chief Imam Abubakar reinstated to lead prayers during Ramadan 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Restoring Religious Access Amidst Ramadan Observances

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has officially authorized the reopening of the Ikare-Akoko Central Mosque, bringing an end to a controversial closure that lasted nearly four years. The mosque was originally shut down on October 18, 2022, by the administration of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. That decision was made as a preemptive measure to prevent an outbreak of violence stemming from a volatile leadership dispute aimed at removing the resident imam. By lifting the ban now, the current administration is signaling a shift toward community healing and the restoration of normal religious life for the Muslim population in the region.

Reaffirming the Leadership of Chief Imam Abubakar

As part of the reopening directive, Governor Aiyedatiwa has instructed Abubakar Muhammed Abbas to resume his duties as the chief imam of the town. This move effectively resolves the leadership vacuum that had plagued the facility prior to its closure. The governor’s decision was announced during an annual Iftar Ramadan fast prayer in Akure, where he emphasized that the imam should continue leading Islamic prayers and organizational activities. This reinstatement is seen as a pivotal step in stabilizing the religious hierarchy of Ikare-Akoko and ensuring a structured return to communal worship.

Promoting Unity and Communal Peace in Ondo State

The governor framed the reopening as an act of "love and unity," specifically timing the announcement to coincide with the holy month of Ramadan. During the ceremony, which was attended by the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadri Momoh, Aiyedatiwa called on the Muslim community to embrace the spirit of the season. He noted that the presence of high ranking traditional and religious leaders served as a testament to the collective desire for peace. The governor’s rhetoric suggests that the administration views the reopening not just as an administrative task, but as a necessary gesture to lower communal tensions.