The Executive Council of the Central Mosque and the Muslim Ummah of Lagos Island, Lagos State, has appealed for the intervention of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu following the fire incident at the Central Mosque on Lagos Island.
In a letter titled “Letter of Appeal to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to lead the initiative to give more glory to the iconic Shitta Bay Mosque which was destroyed by fire”, the stakeholders described the destruction of the mosque as a ‘monumental loss’.
“On behalf of the Jumu’ahtul Muslimeen Council, otherwise known as the Executive Council of the Lagos Central Mosque and on behalf of the Bashorun Council of Olowogbowo Division, with a heavy heart I inform Your Excellency about the destruction of our iconic heritage, the Shitta Bey Mosque (Moshalashi Shitta Bey) by the unfortunate fire which broke out on Wednesday, 24th December along with the Great Nigerian House along Nnamdi Azikwe Street and some other The buildings were also destroyed in 2025.
“This is indeed a great loss of historical importance to the people of Lagos State including the entire Muslim Ummah of Nigeria.”
Stakeholders believed that the noble objective of bringing Shitta Bey Mosque (Moshalashi Shitta-Bey) to even greater glory could be achieved quickly, effectively and efficiently if the Governor of the State could lead the efforts with his administration.
He noted that the famous mosque is still popular and remains the “Main Ratibi Mosque”, where thousands of Muslim traders, with their millions of Muslim customers and visitors who flock daily to the Central Business District in Lagos Island, perform the obligatory prayer “Salat” every day of the week.
“It is appropriate to remind you (Sanwo-Olu) of the facts of which you as a fellow Lagos Islander are well aware of the rich historical background of this Mosque and the importance of Islamic development in Lagos State. This is to underline why His Excellency should take the lead in the redevelopment of the Mosque.
“This renowned heritage, this first internationally recognized mosque in modern Nigeria, this architectural masterpiece of Brazilian and Portuguese colours, was completed in 1891.
The construction of the mosque was entirely financed by Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey (by now named William Shitta) and the formal opening of the mosque took place on July 4, 1891 in the presence of Governor Carter, who was also accompanied by Abdullahi of Turkey and Guilliam of Liverpool, who conferred the title of Bey on Chief Muhammad Shitta on behalf of the Sultan of Turkey.
It was also in recognition of the sublime deeds of Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey that the Muslim elders in Lagos bestowed on him the first title of Seriki Muslim of Lagos, and later recognized him as the second Baba Ajo of Lagos (equivalent to the present Baba Adinni).
This mosque which he bequeathed to the Muslim Ummah in Lagos was designated as a National Monument by the Nigerian Museums and Monuments Commission.
Chief Shitta-Bey's renowned contribution in raising Islam through the fear of Allah (SWT) did not end with the creation of Moshlashi Shitta-Bey. In fact, it was he who first rebuilt the main Lagos Central Mosque in 1873, just a few meters or blocks away from the Shitta Bay Mosque.”
By doing so, he brought the Lagos Central Mosque up to a standard suitable for the time, by replacing the earthen structure built in 1864 with blocks, cement and sheets of corrugated iron.
This Moshlashi Shitta Bay symbolizes the following: unity of the Ummah in Lagos Island, great sacrifice, altruistic altruism, honest entrepreneurship, birth of industry and commerce, deep empathy and care for others, and dedication to the advancement of the people of Lagos.
