Islamic Religion in Isonyin

Until 1894 when the Christian faith was introduced, the Isonyin people, like their compatriots elsewhere in Ijebuland, were idol worshippers. The new faith grew rapidly and the building of the first church commenced in 1898; it was dedicated in 1901. A Christian primary school was also founded by the church mission in 1897.

Islam was introduced to Isonyin a few years after Christianity. The earlier arrival of Christianity, the perceived relative ease of worship and the new sophistication arising from the introduction of literacy instruction by the church mission gave Christianity a significant head-start advantage. This advantage has reflected over the years in the 75% to 25% ratio between the two religions.

The early Muslims did not see their relatively low number as a disadvantage. They took it as a challenge to propagate the faith to neighbouring towns and villages. The crusade yielded fruitful dividends in the large number of converts won in these places.

Consequently, Isonyin became the nerve centre of Islamic activities in the area. For many years, it was the venue for Jumat services and Eid prayers for Muslims from some twenty neighbouring towns and villages. Soon the need arose to build a central mosque. Its construction began in 1909 and it was dedicated in 1911.

The early Muslims considered Western Education a veritable tool for conversion of Muslims to the Christian faith. Consequently, for quite a long time, Muslims and their wards concentrated on Islamic education to the exclusion of Western Education.

When eventually the Muslims decided to send their children to school, the only choice was Emmanuel Primary School. This was the situation until 1955 when Erodo Moslem Primary School was established by the Muslim communities of Isonyin, Odosenlu and Odoregbe.