The Chief Imam of Shasha Central Mosque, Shasha, Lagos, Sheikh Barrister Ya’kub Adebayo As’Shashawy, has commended the Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, for what he described as prompt and people-focused leadership in addressing a long-standing safety concern in the community.
The Islamic cleric and legal practitioner publicly expressed his appreciation on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, at the premises of Shasha Central Mosque during a symposium he organised to clarify facts and dispel misconceptions surrounding the newly passed and gazetted tax law.
Speaking before community members, scholars and stakeholders, Sheikh Barr. Ya’kub explained that while he is naturally inclined to hold public office holders accountable, it is both morally right and socially necessary to acknowledge leaders who deliver tangible results to the people.
“We employ those in government to work for us, so accountability is non-negotiable,” he said. “However, when a public officer meets the expectations of the people, it is only fair to appreciate and publicly recognise such efforts and pray for him.”
The Chief Imam traced his commendation to the recent construction of speed breakers along the ever-busy Shasha Road, particularly around the Moshalasi Bus Stop axis, directly in front of the Shasha Central Mosque.
According to him, Shasha Road serves as a major link to several important road networks within the community and has, over the years, recorded alarming cases of reckless driving and excessive speeding.
He lamented that the situation had frequently resulted in accidents involving pedestrians, motorcyclists and, most tragically, young children.
“There was a particular incident where three young girls were hit by a speeding vehicle, leaving them with multiple injuries,” he recalled. “Some children have been left with permanent scars on their faces, arms and legs, while in some cases, lives have been lost due to reckless driving.”
The worsening situation, he said, became unbearable for residents, prompting community leaders to approach him to intervene.
Sheikh Barr. Ya’kub disclosed that during the administration of the immediate past Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, he formally wrote several letters, using the official letterhead of the Office of the Chief Imam of Shasha Central Mosque, detailing the dangers posed by speeding motorists and requesting the construction of speed breakers.
He added that he personally visited the local government secretariat alongside community leaders to press for action, noting that despite repeated assurances, no concrete steps were taken to resolve the problem.
Sheikh Ya’kub Adebayo As’Shashawy
However, the narrative changed with the assumption of office by Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson.
“When the matter was presented to the current Chairman, he promised that within two months, the speed breakers would be constructed,” the Imam said. “True to his words, he matched promise with action.”
The successful construction of the speed breakers, he noted, has significantly reduced speeding and improved safety for worshippers, residents and road users in the area.
Sheikh Barr. Ya’kub concluded by urging other public office holders to emulate Hon. Akinpelu Johnson’s responsive leadership style, stressing that proactive governance remains key to building trust between leaders and the people they serve.
