Leadership tussle splits worshippers at Benin Central Mosque

The lingering crisis rocking Benin Central Mosque over its leadership continued unabated last Friday, with factions engaging in a free-for-all during Jummat prayers.

Following the crisis, which had divided the worshippers, due to their loyalty to two factions in the struggle over who could lead prayers at the mosque, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has warned against disruption of prayers and other religious activities, insisting that persons or groups found disturbing the area would be dealt with accordingly.

Obaseki gave the warning during a meeting with Muslim leaders, led by Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto and the Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aliru Momoh Ikelebe III at the Government House in Benin City.

Obaseki said he was aware of the leadership tussle involving Alhaji Edosomwan and Alhaji Enabulele, adding that he refused to interfere, with the hope that both parties would resolve their differences internally.

He said: “As a government, we saw the development, challenges, and crisis as an internal matter that needed to be settled by members of the faith.

The death of Alhaji Edosomwan should have naturally resolved the matter, but I was disappointed that the crisis continued. I am glad that the issue has been addressed.”