The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou- Nolla has encouraged Muslims to follow the established rules in the construction of Mosques and other related buildings across the metropolis.
He said without necessary approvals and documentation, such buildings including mosques risks being demolished by the state government.
The Chief Imam stated these at a one day sensitization programme organised by Mussodiq Adele Sanni & Co in conjunction with the Lagos Central Mosque held at Shamsi Adisa Thomas Central Mosque, GRA, Ikeja.
He made reference to cases of Mosques handed over to the Muslim community in which the children of deceased owners rise up to take over the property since there were no official hand over notes.
According to him, ensuring proper Documentation will also save the Mosques from falling victims of being constructed on drainage channels that could be demolished in the long run.
In his lecture, Barr Shakirullahi Obale, who is the Qadi, Independent Sharia Panel, Lagos cited the example of a Mosque in Mushin donated to the Community but after the demise of the owner, children of his younger brother decided to take over the property.
However, he said the saving grace was that the land on which the Mosque was built was duly registered.
He said further “People tend to lose property if after 12 years the original owner failed to take action on it when construction was going on.
The Prophet of Islam encourages professionalism in all we do as Muslims. Every land transaction must include Deeds of Assignment”.
On his part, Alhaji Ojikutu of the Lagos Lands Bureau also reiterated the need for legal documentation on transfer of ownership of property in the state including Mosques.
He said it is very important to endorse every document including Certify True Copy to make it legal.
In buying a land in the state, Alhaji Ojikutu advised that it should stand with a search to establish the true owners of the land.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Hakeem Bello who is the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the former Minister for Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, described Allah as the greatest Architect having created and landscaped all that benefit human beings like land and water.
Bello noted that Allah has directed that every aspect of human affairs should be documented with reference to Quran chapter 2 verse 282 .
He explained that Allah in the beginning created guidelines that shows the significance of place of worship for the Muslims.
The media expert said such encourage proper documentation among different parties to avoid clash of interests in the future.
He commended the group for the initiative aimed at sensitising the Muslim Community in order to correct the anomaly where necessary.
“Even for our Mosques and other properties, we must ensure proper documentation through Registration at CAC, Lands Bureau to avoid harassment or demolition by government as the case may be. Most times, the Muslim Community is challenged by the demise of those who established the Mosque when they are no more and we should endeavour to address this”” he stated.
The Convener of the programme, Barr Mussodiq Adele Sanni said the reason for the forum was to ensure Muslims accept the reality of proper Documentation to keep records for the future.
He said Islam shows much concern about Documentation even in the Holy Quran making reference to when Prophet Mohammed acquired a Mosque in Medinat with proper documentation during his life.
He promised to take the sensitization programme to other divisions in the state: Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Lagos Island.
