Igboho community in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State stood still for late Bolaji Agoro, a barrister at Law, on Monday as the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in the state performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Bolaji Agoro Mosque amid the convergence of a large crowd of inhabitants of the town, friends, politicians and religious leaders.
The ceremony, which held at the residence of the parents of the deceased in Igboho, had in attendance the former Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola, among others.
In her address shortly before the foundation laying, Akande-Adeola expressed excitement that Lana, a Christian, took it upon himself to build a mosque in fulfilment of the lifelong aspiration of his friend and ally not minding his own religious inclination as a Christian.
Urging Nigerians to learn from Lana’s initiative, she cautioned the citizens against whipping up religious sentiment either in favour or against a preferred candidate as elections draw near.
Akande-Adeola said that “Many people would clamour that Christians should be elected instead of Muslims while Muslims would say Christians should not be elected. Today, Michael Folorunso Lana, who is a Christian has come to fulfill the dream of the late barrister Bolaji Agoro, a Muslim.
“They were friends but barrister Agoro is no more. He could have pocketed his money because the man who made a wish is no more alive. People like this are scarce and that is why we are at crossroads.
“We are at a point where we must check anybody who is seeking an elective position very well. Men of God should pray for us and we are optimistic that SDP shall take the reigns of governance in Oyo State come next year. Let us continue the good works.”
She prayed that God should repose the soul of Bolaji Agoro.
Earlier in his address, Lana said, “We appreciate all, including the family of Bolaji Agoro. We came here to have a small foundation laying ceremony in fulfillment of the dream of late Bolaji Agoro. He was my friend as well as a younger brother. People knew us in the legal practice. Around 8pm one faithful day, he called me and later decided to pray in his office, but as he stooped down to pray, he slumped and gave up the ghost.
“Before he died, he told me his wish because he was to be confirmed as a judge. He told me that his utmost wishes were to become a judge and to build a mosque in Igboho. He told me that he wanted me to be a part of the building of the mosque so I told his younger brother what he discussed with me before he passed on. Bolaji Agoro was a lover of humanity and worshipper of God.
“He was close to my family and we were doing things in common. Bolaji Agoro was not wicked and he was good to all. He died worshipping God. He could not become a judge but we know that we can help him to fulfill his lifelong ambition. Let us all continue doing good to fellow human beings.”
The state Chairman of SDP, Michael Okunlade, said, “We have come to honour our governorship candidate. The deceased in whose honour the mosque is being built is our brother.”
Among those in attendance at the event were Abdulrahman Aloyinlapa, Alhaji Mumuni from Irepo, SDP members, Hausa community from Ibadan; a House of Representatives candidate of the SDP, Afeez Adelowo Anaara Jimoh; and a party chieftain, Kayode Lana.
Also present on the occasion were the SDP chairmen in Saki East, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Orelope and Atisbo local government areas of the state.
The Chief Imam of Igboho, who lauded Lana for embarking on the mosque project, said, “Mosque is a house of God just as Church is a house of God. I am happy that a Christian has taken it upon himself to fulfill the wish of a friend to build a mosque despite his own religious background. I pray that God grants your aspirations as well.”
