…Lagos Gov uged to lead revival of 134-year-old Shitta Bey Mosque
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BENJAMIN OMOIKE
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Chief Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has made a passionate appeal to the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to spearhead the restoration of the historic Shitta Bey Mosque on Lagos Island, which was recently destroyed by fire.
In letters addressed to the Governor and copied to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, as well as messages of consolation to the Shitta-Bey family, the Bashorun-in-Council of Olowogbowo Division, and the entire Muslim Ummah of Lagos, Alabi-Macfoy described the incident as a monumental loss not only to Lagos State but to Nigeria’s Islamic and cultural heritage.
The inferno, which occurred on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, razed the iconic mosque—also known as Moshalashi Shitta-Bey—alongside the Great Nigerian House and other adjoining buildings on Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island.
According to the Baba Adinni, the destruction of the mosque represents a tragic blow to a structure that has, for over a century, stood as a symbol of faith, sacrifice, unity, and philanthropy in Lagos.
A Call for Government-Led Restoration
Alabi-Macfoy urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to personally lead the initiative to rebuild the mosque, stressing that the intervention of the Lagos State Government would ensure a swift, coordinated, and dignified restoration of the historic edifice to “even greater glory.”
He noted that the Shitta Bey Mosque remains the main Ratibi mosque in the Lagos Central Business District, serving thousands of Muslim traders daily, as well as millions of worshippers, customers, and visitors who converge on Lagos Island for commerce and worship.
“As a fellow Lagos Islander who is deeply familiar with the historical and spiritual significance of this mosque,” the Baba Adinni stated, “Your Excellency’s leadership in this restoration effort will preserve a priceless legacy for present and future generations.”
A Monument of National and International Significance
Completed in 1891, the Shitta Bey Mosque is widely regarded as the first mosque of international standard in modern Nigeria. Distinguished by its Brazilian and Portuguese architectural influences, the mosque was solely financed by Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey, formerly known as William Shitta.
Its ceremonial opening on July 4, 1891, was attended by then-Governor Sir Gilbert Carter, alongside representatives of the Ottoman Sultan, including Abdullahi from Turkey and Guelliam from Liverpool. In recognition of his outstanding service to Islam, Chief Muhammad Shitta was conferred with the prestigious title of “Bey”, a high-ranking political and religious honor within the Islamic world of the time.
Locally, Muslim elders in Lagos also recognized his contributions by bestowing on him the titles of the first Seriki Musulumi of Lagos and later Baba Ajo, a forerunner of today’s Baba Adinni.
The mosque was subsequently designated a National Monument by the Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments, underscoring its cultural and historical value.
Legacy of Philanthropy and Faith
Beyond the Shitta Bey Mosque, Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey played a transformative role in the development of Islam in Lagos. In 1873, he reconstructed the Lagos Central Mosque—then a modest mud structure built in 1864—replacing it with a more durable and modern building using blocks, cement, and corrugated iron sheets.
He also undertook the systematic replacement of thatched roofs of mosques across Lagos, reflecting a lifelong commitment to strengthening Islamic institutions and uplifting Muslim communities.
According to Alabi-Macfoy, the Shitta Bey Mosque symbolizes the unity of the Ummah on Lagos Island, selfless sacrifice, honest entrepreneurship, philanthropy, empathy, and dedication to communal progress—values that defined the life of Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey.
“These virtues,” he said, “remain a guiding light for Muslims in Lagos and beyond.”
A Call to Collective Action
While appealing to the Lagos State Government for leadership, the Baba Adinni also called on Muslim stakeholders across Nigeria to rally together in restoring the mosque.
Quoting Qur’an 3:92—“True righteousness is not attained until you spend from what you love”—he urged individuals, families, institutions, and governments at all levels to contribute toward reviving the legacy of the historic mosque.
“Ile Oba to jo, ewa lo bu kun,” he said, emphasizing that communal misfortune should inspire collective responsibility.
Prayers and Hope for Renewal
In closing, Alabi-Macfoy offered prayers for Governor Sanwo-Olu, his family, and the people of Lagos State, expressing confidence that with divine guidance and collective resolve, the Shitta Bey Mosque would rise again as a beacon of faith, history, and unity.
