Osun State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has described the death of the president of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Deputy President-General (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alh. Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola, OON, as not only a loss to his family and the South West , but also the entire Muslim community in the country.
Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Thursday, commiserated with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III and Nigerian Muslims especially, over the loss.
The governor, who had personally condoled with the immediate family of the late Muslim cleric, described the late Islamic leader as an embodiment of good character, integrity and selfless service to humanity.
Until his death, Alhaji Babalola, 85, was a successful businessman, renowned philanthropist, and a respected Muslim and community leader.
He was the father of Hon. Idiat Babalola, the state’s Supervisor for Federal Matters.
Governor Oyetola further said: “I received with great shock the passing of Alh. S. O Babalola, president of MUSWEN.
“His death is not only a loss to his family and the South West alone, but to the entire Muslim Ummah at large.
“As Muslims, we should take it in good faith and give gratitude to God that our late Baba lived a life worthy of emulation.
“My deep condolences go to the entire family, the Sultan, South West Muslims as well as the entire Nigerian Muslim community. I pray Allah grant him aljanat firadaus. May Allah grant us the courage and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
