Muslims in Badagry, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria gathered on Thursday for the 23rd edition of the Ayeye Ileya celebration, an annual Eid-el-Kabir event which brings Islamic households, families and visitors together in a display of unity, culture and faith.
Saoti Arewa performing at the 2026 Ayeye Ileya
The celebration, held in front of the Badagry City Hall on the second day of Eid Mubarak, featured prayers, spiritual reflections and performances by Islamic music stars Saoti Arewa and Badagry-born Monsurat Ajelero.
Monsurat Ajelero, at 2026 Ayeye Ileya in Badagry
“This is a celebration period, this is how we mark it every year, we call it Ayeye Ileya, this is the 23rd edition,” said Sheikh Uwais Akewusola, Chief Imam of Badagry.
“You will notice that there are different households here today. The benefits of the program to the community are enormous both economically and politically. This program brings people from far and near together, it increases commerce, you can see people selling their goods,” he added.
Sheikh Uwais Akewusola, Chief Imam of Badagry
The Islamic Cleric said the gathering strengthened family ties as people living outside Badagry returned home to celebrate Eid with loved ones.“Politically when government provides an enabling environment for citizens to thrive, we are expected to behave within the ambit of the law and not cause issues,” he said.
Padonu Rasheed, secretary of the Ayeye Ileya committee, said the celebration reflected Islamic teachings of humanity and unity.“Islam preaches humanity and unity. I think the essence of this celebration is tied to the history of Prophet Ibrahim.
People who are far away come down and we are able to be together,” he said.“This program promotes unity, peace and understanding. My message to all Muslim communities in Badagry is that we should come together in one mind to celebrate Allah,” said Rasheed.
Ashade Abiodun, a Muslim faithful and climate change advocate, called on residents to continue promoting peace and unity amid growing security challenges in Nigeria.
“We know the significance of Ileya patience, perseverance and love. Because of that, I would encourage everyone, particularly the Muslim faithful and Badagrians, to continue to spread love and peace as we are facing a lot of insecurity challenges in Nigeria presently,” he said.
“We should not allow religion to cause disunity and division among us. If you look at this gathering today, it is not about Muslims alone, everybody came out. There is no family in Badagry where you will not find a Christian home or a Muslim home and we have been living in peace and harmony. We should continue to preach peace, love and unity,” said Abiodun.
The event hosted by the Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode brought together more than 40 Islamic households in the community.