Why I Built, Donated The Ultra Modern Central Mosque Extension To Osogbo Community- Omidiran

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is expected to be in Osogbo, Osun, on Friday 26th April, 2019 to commission the Extension to Osogbo Central Mosque following its completion by the Asiwaju of the town, Alhaji Hammed Adewole Omidiran.

Speaking to newsmen on the commissioning of the extention to the mosque, the Asiwaju of Osogbo, Alhaji Hammed Omidiran said the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Adnan Bostaji would join the Sultan for the commissioning while 40 traditional rulers, league of Imam and Alfas in Osun and other states would also be on ground at the occasion, which is to be chaired by Dr Aluko.

Omidiran explained that he took it upon himself to to add to the central mosque, one of the largest in Osun, because the existing structure was not big enough for Osogbo town as a state capital.

Speaking on why he came up with idea of building the Extension to the mosque,the Asiwaju of Osogbo said the decision came on the heel of the passion he has for the development of the ancient town.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for being able to complete the project saying with the completion of the mosque annexe,he felt fulfilled.

He said further that he had always had it in mind to build an ultra modern mosque that would befit the status of Osogbo, having noticed that the existing structure can no longer accommodate the volume of worshippers thronging the mosque.

He said the entire mosque which is now wearing a new look would serve Muslims in the town in the worship of Allah, saying he believes in Qur’anic allusion and what Prophet Muhammed says that “whoever builds a mosque for Allah, then Allah will build for him a house like it paradise”

“In the 60s when I was living in Ile-Ife before I finally settled down in Osogbo, for more than three times I was invited to chairman fund raising occasions in the old mosque.

“Later I discovered that whatever amount was raised was always a far cry from what was needed to upgrade the mosque. So,I decided to build the extention and donate it to the community.

“I financed the project from the beginning to the end singlehandedly without collecting a dime from anybody.

” I give thanks to Almighty Allah for giving me the ability to complete the project while I am still alive.

“It is not only this mosque Allah has given me ability to build. Apart from the Ataoja of Osogbo palace, I have built not less than five mosques, two in Ile-Ife, where my house and office are sited, another one at the Sasa market, another in our family house in Isale Osun and one in my residence at Power line. It is not by my power but by the grace of Almighty Allah.” he said.

He explained that he was a very close ally of the late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III, stating that when he discovered that the Ataojas’ palace was not befitting, he volunteered to build the present palace.

He further recounted, ” apart from the donation of palace , when former Governor of Osun state, Theophillus Bamigboye banned traders from selling along the roads I secured 10 hectares of land for them at Sasa without collecting a dime from each and everyone of them.

Also, I bought 70 hectares of land and gave it to the Federal Government when they approached me that they needed land for construction of companies.
“I have sponsored many Muslims to Mecca for Hajj, to mention just few by the grace of Allaah.”

Promising not to relent in his efforts to continue to support the work of Allah and the well-being of the poor, Omidiran appealed to good indigenea of the town both at home and in diaspora to emulate the spirit of spending in the course of Allaah,proclaiming His words, supporting His work, shunning thuggery and any form of activities that is capable of tarnishing their names.

He however prayed Allaah to protect those that would be coming to grace the occasion and return them safely to their various destinations.

The mosque extension is the largest to be single handedly built and donated by any individual in recent history.