Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken the lead in a major effort to remodel the iconic Egba Central Mosque in Kobiti, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The mosque, which marks 100 years since it was built in 1925, is one of the most important religious and historical landmarks in the region.
The former president is rallying support for a wide-scale renovation and expansion of the mosque, aimed at preserving its legacy and modernising its structure to better serve the Muslim community in Egbaland and beyond.
The project is spearheaded by the Egba Muslim Council and was formally unveiled during a ceremony at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta. The event attracted prominent religious, traditional, political and business leaders from across Nigeria.
The Egba Central Mosque stands on the site where the first mosque in Abeokuta was built in the 1830s, on land donated by the legendary Egba warrior and leader, Oba Sodeke. The existing structure was erected in 1925 and has since become a central place of worship for Muslims in the region.
Now, after a century of spiritual service, community leaders have decided it is time to give the mosque a modern facelift—while still preserving its heritage.
The remodelling plan goes far beyond just renovating the existing structure. According to the Egba Muslim Council, the new project will include an administrative block, a Quranic academy, a library, a multipurpose social hall, a guest house, an Imam’s residence, a medical centre, and a shopping complex.
Leading the charge, Chief Obasanjo urged Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds to support the project. He described it as a noble cause that would attract spiritual reward and promote interfaith understanding.
“This is not just a project for Muslims; it is a heritage for all Egba people and for all Nigerians,” Obasanjo said. “Let us support this cause together and leave behind a legacy we can all be proud of.”
Several high-profile Nigerians made financial commitments to support the mosque’s redevelopment. Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, pledged to build the multipurpose hall and also donated N100 million to the project.
Business mogul Sir Kessington Adebutu, represented by his son Hon. Ladi Adebutu, also donated N100 million. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, promised to construct the mosque’s administrative block and library on behalf of the state government.
The Governor commended the Egba Muslim Council for initiating the redevelopment, describing it as “a bold step that reflects the strength and unity of the Egba people, especially the Muslim community.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, unveiled the project’s design at the event. He praised the Egba Muslim Council and former President Obasanjo for their leadership and pledged to reach out to other wealthy and influential Nigerians to support the mosque’s completion.
“This mosque project is a symbol of unity, peace, and religious strength,” the Sultan said. “We must all join hands to complete it and set an example for the rest of the country.”
The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, noted that the mosque’s renovation had been long overdue. He called it a necessary step to preserve the religious and cultural heritage of the Egba people.
“This mosque is part of our history,” the monarch said. “Its new version will stand as a symbol for generations to come.”
The event also featured a lecture by Sheikh Sulaimon Farouq Onikijipa, the Grand Mufti of the Ilorin Emirate. He spoke about the vital role mosques play in community development, education, and social harmony.
“Every contribution made to build a mosque is rewarded in the sight of God,” he said. “Let this be a house of peace and learning for all.”
As part of the redevelopment, 78 residential houses surrounding the mosque in Kobiti will be demolished to make room for the new buildings. The chairman of the remodelling committee, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Tunji-Kalejaiye, said those affected will not be left stranded.
He revealed that the displaced residents will be relocated to new homes to be constructed on a 22-acre site in the Sodeke-Titun Sabo area of Abeokuta. The compensation and relocation plan is part of the committee’s commitment to ensuring the project is carried out in a just and humane manner.
The unveiling of the Egba Central Mosque remodelling project marks a significant moment for Muslims in Ogun State and across Nigeria. It is not only a religious project but also a cultural and historical one—one that reflects a century of faith and community building.
Chief Obasanjo closed his remarks with a powerful appeal for unity and generosity.
“Let us not wait for others to come and do it for us,” he said. “This is our mosque, our history, our legacy. Let us build it together.”
