In a significant development, the Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State has sealed off the popular Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque following a leadership dispute that erupted after the death of the Chief Imam. The decision, made by the local government chairman, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, was announced in a statement on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
The controversy stems from a leadership struggle between the family of the late Chief Imam, Sheikh Habib Abdulmajid, and his deputy, Sheikh Mustapha Muktar. This disagreement has led to heightened tensions, raising concerns about public safety and the potential for a violent clash between the two factions.
The mosque, located in the Agege area of Lagos, is an important religious and social gathering point for the Muslim community. It is known for its vibrant congregation and role in providing spiritual guidance to many residents of the area. The events surrounding the leadership dispute have drawn considerable attention due to the influence the mosque has within the local community, particularly among members of the Hausa ethnic group.
Background to the Dispute
The leadership of Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque became a point of contention after the passing of its revered Chief Imam, Sheikh Habib Abdulmajid. Sheikh Abdulmajid had led the mosque for several years, earning the respect and admiration of the local Muslim community. His sudden death has left a leadership vacuum that has not been easy to fill, leading to a bitter struggle between Sheikh Abdulmajid’s family and his deputy, Sheikh Mustapha Muktar.
While it is common for such disputes to occur following the death of influential religious leaders, the situation at Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque has escalated due to strong family ties and rivalries within the Hausa community. Sheikh Muktar, who served as the late Imam’s deputy, claims that he is the rightful successor, arguing that he was the most qualified to lead the mosque. On the other hand, the late Imam’s family has pushed for one of their own to take over leadership, leading to a standoff.
This feud has created divisions within the community, with both sides garnering support from different factions of the mosque’s congregation. The disagreement has already led to heated arguments, and there are fears that it could escalate into violent clashes if not handled carefully.
Government Intervention and the Mosque Seal-Off
Faced with the growing tension, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, decided to take swift action by issuing a directive to seal off the mosque. In his statement, Egunjobi cited concerns about maintaining public peace and order, stating that the dispute posed a significant risk of escalating into violence if left unresolved.
The sealing of the mosque, which took effect immediately, was intended to prevent any disturbance in the area. Chief Egunjobi emphasized that the council’s action was necessary to avoid a breakdown in law and order, particularly in light of the growing rivalry within the local Hausa community. He further explained that the mosque would remain closed until the leadership crisis was resolved through dialogue and understanding between the conflicting parties.
As part of his efforts to ensure that the situation did not spiral out of control, the council chairman visited the mosque site to personally supervise the implementation of the directive. Egunjobi assured residents that security would be increased in the area to maintain peace and prevent any disruptions from spreading beyond the mosque.
“The situation must be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary tensions,” Egunjobi said during his visit. “We have directed that adequate security be provided to maintain calm, and all parties involved will be invited to a stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the issue.”
Security and Future Resolution
In response to the ongoing leadership dispute, the local government has promised to engage all relevant stakeholders in a meeting aimed at finding a peaceful solution. Chief Egunjobi made it clear that the leadership issue at Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque would be handled with the utmost attention, ensuring that no group would feel marginalized in the decision-making process.
While the mosque remains sealed off, the Agege Local Government is focused on maintaining stability in the area. The local authorities have also made it known that they are committed to preventing any future disturbances, which could arise if the conflict is not addressed quickly.
“Restoring normalcy is our priority,” said Egunjobi. “We are committed to bringing both parties to the table so that this issue can be resolved amicably.”
In the meantime, the residents of Agege have expressed mixed feelings about the closure of the mosque. Some community members have shown support for the local government’s decision, believing that it will allow for a more peaceful resolution of the conflict. Others, however, have expressed frustration, stating that the mosque is a vital part of their daily religious and social lives.
Despite the temporary closure, the Agege Local Government has assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the dispute and reopen the mosque as soon as possible. The council chairman has called on both the family of the late Imam and Sheikh Muktar’s supporters to prioritize dialogue and unity over division and violence.
Impact on the Hausa Community
The leadership dispute at Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque is not just a religious issue but also a cultural one, as the mosque plays a central role within the Hausa community in Lagos. The mosque has long been a hub for social interaction and cultural events for members of the Hausa ethnic group, who are one of the largest communities in the city. This dispute has the potential to affect not just the mosque but also the cohesion of the local Hausa community.
Community leaders have urged both sides to avoid actions that could damage the unity of the group, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution through dialogue. They have also called on the local government to continue its efforts to facilitate negotiations and ensure that peace is restored.
Looking Ahead
The events surrounding the Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque leadership dispute highlight the challenges of succession within religious institutions, particularly when family dynamics and community interests come into play. The outcome of this conflict could have lasting implications for the mosque and the broader community in Agege.
As tensions remain high, all eyes will be on the upcoming stakeholders’ meeting, which will likely serve as the crucial moment for resolving the dispute. If the parties involved can find common ground, it may bring an end to the conflict and allow the mosque to reopen, restoring normalcy for the local community.
For now, the residents of Agege and the members of Mosalasi Alhaja Mosque are left waiting to see how the situation will unfold and whether peace will be restored to one of Lagos’s most prominent mosques.
