The executive council of the Central Mosque, and the Muslim Ummah of the Lagos Island, Lagos State, have appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s intervention following the fire incident that razed down the Central Mosque on the Lagos Island.
In a letter titled “Letter of appeal to the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to lead the initiative for restoration of the iconic Shitta Bey Mosque razed by fire to greater glory”, the stakeholders described the destruction of the mosque as ‘monumental loss’.
“On behalf of the Jumu’atul Muslimeen Council, otherwise known as Executive Council of the Lagos Central Mosque and on behalf of the Bashorun Council of Olowogbowo Division, it is with heavy heart that I intimate Your Excellency on the destruction of our Iconic heritage, the Shitta Bey Mosque ( Moshalashi Shitta Bey), by the unfortunate fire that also razed the Great Nigerian House and some other buildings along the Nnamdi Azikwe Street on Wednesday, 24 December, 2025.
“This is indeed a monumental loss of historical significance to the people of Lagos State, including to all Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.”
The stakeholders believed that the noble objective for restoration of the Shitta Bey Mosque (Moshalashi Shitta-Bey) to even greater glory will be quickly, effectively and efficiently achieved if the state governor, alongside his administration could spearhead the efforts.
They noted that the famous mosque was still popular and remains the “main Ratibi mosque where thousands of Muslim traders, along with millions of their Muslim customers and visitors alike who daily throng the Central Business District in Lagos Island, perform obligatory prayers “Salat”, everyday of the week.
“It is pertinent to remind you (Sanwo-Olu) of the facts you are well acquainted of as a fellow Lagos Islander of the rich historical background of this mosque and the significance to Islamic development in Lagos State. This is to underscore why Your Excellency should lead in the redevelopment of the Mosque.
“This famous heritage, this first recognised mosque of international standard in modern Nigeria, this architectural master piece of Brazilian and Portuguese tints, was completed in 1891.
The building of the Mosque was solely financed by Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey (hitherto named William Shitta) and the ceremonial opening of the mosque took place in July 4th, 1891, in the presence of Governor Carter, along with Abdullahi from Turkey and Guelliam from Liverpool, who on behalf of Sultan of Turkey, conferred Chief Muhammad Shitta with the title of Bey.
It was also in recognition of the lofty works of Chief Muhammad Shitta-Bey that the MUSLIM Elders in Lagos bestowed on him the FIRST TITLED OF SERIKI MUSLUMIN OF LAGOS, and later recognised him as second Baba Ajo (equivalent of the present Baba Adinni) of Lagos.
This mosque he bequeathed to the Muslim Ummah in Lagos was designated as National monument by the Nigerian Commission for Museums and Monuments.
The famous contribution of Chief Shitta-Bey to the lifting of Islam in fear of Allah (SWT) did not end with the building of Moshalashi Shitta-Bey. It was he, indeed that first reconstructed, in 1873, the main Lagos Central Mosque- which was just a few metre or blocks away from the Shitta Bey Mosque.”
By so doing, he brought the Lagos Central Mosque to a befitting standard of the time, by replacing the mud structure built in 1864 with blocks, cements and corrugated iron sheets.
This Moshalashi Shitta Bey symbolises the following: unity of Ummah in Lagos Island, pursuit of noble sacrifice, altruistic philanthropism, honest entrepreneurship, birth of industry and commerce, deep empathy and care of others, and dedication to the advancement of the people of the Lagos.
