Shitta Bey Mosque: Visiting a historic masterpiece

Described by many – and rightly so – as a historic monument, the Shitta Bey Mosque was built in 1891 when a Sierra Leonean-born Nigerian merchant and philanthropist called Oloye Mohammed Shitta contributed a large sum of money to facilitate the construction of the edifice which has now become significant in the growth of Islam in Lagos State.
The mosque features Brazilian-style architecture, characteristically simple and distinct at the same time. The concrete, granite and marble structure was designed in Afro-Brazilian style by a Brazilian architect called Senor Joao Baptista Da Costa who was assisted by a Nigerian builder, Sanusi Aka, under the patronage of Mohammed Shitta Bey.
The unique architecture of the mosque underscores its age. Located on Martins Ereko Street in the Broad Street area of Lagos Island, it generally remains in its original form, with a worshippers’ capacity of 200.
Upon its completion, it was formally opened on July 4th, 1894, at a ceremony presided over by the then Governor of Lagos, Sir Gilbert Carter and other dignitaries such as Oba Oyekan (the first Oba of Lagos), and many more. What remains unique about the story of the mosque, is the fact that the supporters of the project then come from diverse backgrounds, yet living in peace and harmony. The inauguration of the mosque also marked a significant milestone in propagation of Islam in Lagos and the acceptance of Western education by the Lagos Muslim community.
Only Lagos indigenes with vast knowledge of Arabic and Islamic Studies are allowed to be Imam of the mosque, especially from the first Alhaji family.
The state of Shitta-Bey Mosque today, which serves mostly traders and visitors on Oyewole Market on Lagos Island, is calling for much-needed restoration, as it is said to have been last renovated in 1988. Virtually all the taps in the female section’s ablution area are worn out, while the single toilet is not enough to accommodate the population of worshippers. Also, the size of the mosque can no longer accommodate the worshippers who throng there.
Mohammed Shitta Bey was the son of Sierra Leonean-born liberated slaves, originally of Yoruba descent. He first came to Nigeria in 1844 with his parents, initially settling in Badagry before moving to Lagos some years after his father’s death in 1847. A successful philanthropist and businessman, he made his fortune trading in the Niger Delta region in the mid 19th century.
Originally known as Mohammed Shitta, he was awarded the title “Bey” by the Sultan of Turkey (then ruler of the largest Islamic kingdom in the world) in honour and recognition of his ranking as the leader of the Muslim community in Lagos. The title denoted a status of high office, and upon receiving the title, he and his family formally adopted the double-barrelled compound surname of Shitta-Bey, a tradition that has survived for over a century.
Shitta Bey Mosque is regarded as one of the many legacies of the renowned late Mohammed Shitta. He also contributed significantly to the building of the Central Mosque in Lagos in 1873 and he supported various Islamic causes including building of mosques beyond Lagos, the use of Sharia as a guiding law for Muslims and the establishment of a an Islamic school in Lagos.
A worshipper called Alhaji Ajadi Bintinlaye, said the mosque’s is convenient for many traders who need it to say their five daily prayers.
“But it would be great if an expansion, along with renovation is carried out,” he said.
The current Chief Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Habeeblai Taofiq Muazu, said about five imams have so far led the mosque. He also lamented the current state of the mosque, being a spiritual spot where people from near and far places come for special prayers. According to him, a place designated by the Lagos State Government as a monument, and also recognised by the Federal Government, shouldn’t be left un-maintained.