President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed the management of Dodan Barracks to surrender the control of Obalende Eid prayer ground to the Jama’atul Muslimeen Council of the Lagos Central Mosque. This decision was reached following the report submitted by a Special Committee set up by the President to investigate and resolve the issues between the Lagos Muslim community on one hand and Federal Government Agencies on the other.
Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesperson, stated this on Sunday in Abuja. Noting that the President’s approval was in line with the outcome of the committee report, he revealed that the affected federal agencies, which include those stationed at the Dodan Barracks, had been directed to recognize and respect the fact that the Obalende Eid prayer ground legally belongs to the Jama’atul Muslimeen Council of the Lagos Central Mosque.
Furthermore, the President has called for an end to the desecration of the Obalende Eid prayer ground by its profane use as a dump site. He directed the Dodan Barracks authorities to remove all containers and debris from the prayer ground immediately. He has also ordered them to guarantee unrestricted access to the Obalende Eid prayer ground for the Muslim communities and their agents at all times.
Finally, the President advised the Lagos State Government to consider the granting of a Certificate of Occupancy over the area identified in the Survey Plan to the Jama’atal Muslimeen Council, if it deemed fit.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari, headed the committee set up to carry out the President’s directive. Other members of the committee include the Minister of Works and Housing, the Minister of Defence, the Director-General of the SSS, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Permanent Secretary, State House.
In conclusion, this decision is a positive step towards promoting religious tolerance and peaceful co-existence among people of different faith. It is hoped that all parties involved will adhere to the President’s directives in good faith and contribute positively to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
