The office said the ban, which was issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, during Jumu’ah prayers at the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque, Oyingbo, was aimed at promoting modest dressing, cleanliness and proper conduct among worshippers.

The Head of Corporate Media and Public Communications, Office of the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas of Ijebuland, Dr Oyekolade Oyesanya, stated this in a statement made available to our correspondent.

Oyesanya explained that the announcement was made by the Ẹkẹta Adiini of Ijebuland, Shaykh Abdul Wahab Oleolo, on behalf of the Chief Imam-in-Council. He said it was intended to remind worshippers of the sanctity of the mosque and the need to uphold standards of cleanliness, modesty and decorum.

He said the directive must, however, not be interpreted as a directive to exclude any Muslim from the mosque or shut its doors against anyone seeking to worship Allah.

Oyesanya said that “The Mosque occupies a position of profound spiritual significance in Islam. It is a place of worship, humility, reflection, moral refinement and communal fellowship.

“Consequently, every worshipper is enjoined to approach it with due reverence, observing the appropriate standards of cleanliness, decent dressing, modesty and good conduct.

“The Qur’an enjoins the children of Adam to adorn themselves appropriately at every place of worship (Qur’an 7:31), while the Prophet Muḥammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught that cleanliness is an essential aspect of faith.

“In this regard, concerns were raised about certain practices, including inappropriate or immodest dressing, the wearing of earrings by men, particular hairstyles such as dreadlocks, the display of tattoos, and the use of mobile telephones during Jumu‘ah prayers and sermons.

“These matters were mentioned to encourage reflection, restraint and compliance with the standards of Islamic propriety and the established expectations of the Mosque.

“In particular, the use of mobile telephones during the Friday sermon and prayers can distract worshippers, undermine concentration and detract from the solemnity of the occasion.

“It is, however, important to emphasise that the objective is guidance, not humiliation; admonition, not alienation; and the promotion of religious consciousness, not the exclusion of individuals from the Muslim community.

“The Mosque must remain a welcoming place where Muslims can worship, learn, seek guidance and work towards spiritual and moral improvement”.

The Chief Imam has therefore appealed to all congregants to receive the announcement in its proper and true spirit.

Worshippers were encouraged to exercise restraint, dress modestly, maintain decorum, avoid unnecessary distractions during religious services and respect the rules and guidance of the mosque authorities.

Oyesanya said those responsible for communicating and implementing such guidance were expected to do so with wisdom, courtesy, fairness and due regard for the dignity of every individual.

He explained that “For the avoidance of doubt, the announcement was not intended to bar anyone from entering the Ijebu Ode Central Mosque, Oyingbo, or to discourage any Muslim from attending congregational prayers.

“Rather, it was a reminder that the privilege of worshipping in the House of Allah carries responsibilities which every worshipper should endeavour to fulfil.

“The doors of the Mosque remain open to Muslims seeking the pleasure of Allah. The ultimate aspiration is to nurture a congregation distinguished by faith, humility, discipline, mutual respect and commitment to the teachings of Islam.

“The Mosque should remain a centre of spiritual nourishment, sound religious instruction and moral transformation for all who approach it sincerely”.