Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Sunday described the death of the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland, Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola, as a huge loss to the state and the Muslim community.
Abiodun stated this during the burial ceremony of the late Islamic cleric held at Igan Alalade in Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described the late Sheikh Babalola as a devoted Muslim and respected Islamic scholar who rose to the highest level of leadership within the Muslim community in Ogun State.
According to him, the deceased served diligently as the Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, making him one of the most influential Islamic leaders in the state.
Abiodun said the late cleric lived a life of integrity, generosity and unwavering faith, adding that he left enduring legacies through his service to humanity and Islam.
“I cannot find better words to describe him other than that he was a man of God and a good man,” the governor said.
He noted that Ogun State, known for religious harmony and tolerance, had lost one of its foremost spiritual leaders, stressing that the cleric’s death was painful not only to his family but also to the entire state.
The governor prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Also speaking at the burial, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Kunle Salako, described the late Sheikh as an upright leader who dedicated his life to the service of humanity through Islam.
“He was a very upright man who consistently defended the interest of Yewaland, even as a Muslim leader. He always looked out for the younger generation and served as a rallying point for many people in the land.
“His death, though coming at a ripe old age, is still a huge loss to us. We will greatly miss him, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljanah Firdaus,” Salako said.
In a brief lecture at the ceremony, the Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Dr Raji Akano, urged people to live impactful lives and remain conscious of the inevitability of death.
Akano said the late Chief Imam had completed his earthly assignment and returned to his Creator.
Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola died on Saturday at the age of 98.
