The Boshorun in Council of Olowogbowo Division, the Jumu'atul Muslimeen Council, the executive council of the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos Island and the entire Muslim Ummah of Lagos Island and across the state have appealed to the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to help them rebuild the iconic Shitta Bey Mosque, recently razed by fire.
The iconic heritage, popularly known as Moshalashi Shitta Bey, was razed in a fire outbreak that also gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance Building and some other buildings along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Street on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.
The Muslim communities, in a letter of appeal to the Lagos State governor, noted that the unfortunate fire incident remained a monumental loss of historical significance to the people of Lagos State, including to all Muslim Ummah in Nigeria.
They said, "We earnestly believe 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 Your Excellency, along with your dynamic and dedicated administration, can spearhead the efforts.
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"This famous Mosque is still popular and still 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', every day of the week.
"It is pertinent here to remind you 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 masterpiece 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."
