How I Inserted Iwo Central Mosque Renovation In Nigeria’s Budget – Osun Reps Member
Lawmaker representing Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, Lukman Kayode Mudasiru, has said he has put reconstruction of Iwo Central Mosque in the 2025 budget of the country.
According to Mudashiru, the failure of the federal government to release funds for the 2025 project delayed the implementation of the project.
Mudashiru made the revelation following a promise made by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, to renovate the mosque after the Jumat prayer on Friday.
Reacting to the pledge, Mudasiru, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party, said he had to seek the intervention of the Emir of Zazzau, Nuhu Bamali, to help him talk to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abba,s on the natter.
He said, “When I explained the importance of the Iwo Central Mosque to the Emir and sought his support, he immediately contacted the Speaker and we all discussed the issue,” L&K said.
He revealed that funds have already been earmarked for the mosque’s renovation and that relevant stakeholders, including the monarch of Iwo, were informed during the consultation process.
Hon. Mudasiru explained that during discussions, the Speaker sought clarification on the historical status of the mosque, particularly claims that it is the earliest mosque in Yorubaland.
“The Speaker asked if the mosque is truly a historic mosque and regarded as the first in Yorubaland. Based on that, he said the mosque should not be demolished or rebuilt,” he stated.
Instead, the Speaker reportedly advised that the existing structure be renovated and preserved, while a new mosque should be constructed at another location to serve current worship needs.
According to L&K, the Speaker further proposed that the Iwo Central Mosque be treated as a heritage monument and museum, serving as a global reference point for Muslims and historians interested in the history of Islam in Yorubaland.
Hon. Mudasiru added that he has documented the history of the mosque in a book to further strengthen its claim to heritage status.
However, he stressed that the major obstacle to commencing work remains funding.
“The project is already included in the national budget through the Speaker’s intervention. What is delaying the renovation is that the 2025 budget has not yet been funded,” he said.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
