The Emir of Ilorin and President/Custodian of the Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, has warned that no form of unauthorised pre-wedding video shooting and photographic expedition for whatever purpose would henceforth be allowed in the edifice.
The Emir stated this on Tuesday (August 9, 2022) in his reaction to an amorous pre-wedding video shots recorded at the Mosque, which has since gone viral as he disclaimed the allegation of granting approval to people access into the Main Hall of the Mosque, warning those dropping his name to stop such action forthwith.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, in a statement signed by the Chairman, Central Working Committee of the Mosque and Danmadami of Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu Abdulgafar, OON, said that he viewed the video under review with utmost disappointment.
He appreciated the concerns and comments generated by the video since it went viral, adding that everything worth doing would be done to ensure that a repeat of the incident does not occur.
The Emir, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Emirs and Obas, added that the Mosque, particularly the ultramodern edifice, does not exist for such a practice from anyone or group no matter how highly placed as he said that it was important for all Ilorin patriots and their friends to judiciously use the Mosque for the purpose of worship and community development.
The Emir, therefore, charged the Central Working Committee of the Mosque and staff of the edifice to ensure that no one is allowed to shoot any video or take amorous photograph at the Mosque.
The Monarch warned that the violation of this directive would be visited with appropriate sanctions so as to discourage such illicit practice, which exposes the Mosque and Ilorin Emirate at large to ridicule.
Signed:
Alhaji Shehu Abdulgafar, OON,
Danmadami of Ilorin, Chairman, Central Working Committee and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Ilorin Central Jumaat Mosque.