Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland, Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola. The governor made this known on Sunday during the burial ceremony of the late Islamic cleric, which took place at Igan Alalade in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Governor Abiodun described the late Sheikh Babalola as a committed Muslim, respected Islamic scholar, and a spiritual leader who attained one of the highest positions within the Muslim community in Ogun State through years of dedication and service. According to the governor, the deceased served not only as the Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland but also as the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, a position that made him one of the most influential religious leaders in the state. He further praised the late cleric for his honesty, generosity, humility, and unwavering faith, noting that his impact on humanity and the Muslim faithful would continue to be remembered for generations. “I cannot find better words to describe him other than that he was a man of God and a good man,” Governor Abiodun stated during the ceremony. The governor added that Ogun State, widely recognized for peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, had lost one of its most respected spiritual fathers. He described the cleric’s death as a painful moment not only for his immediate family but also for the entire people of Ogun State. Governor Abiodun also prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late Islamic scholar and grant him eternal rest in Aljanah Firdaus. Also speaking at the burial ceremony, the Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Kunle Salako, said the late Sheikh devoted his entire life to the service of Islam and humanity. Salako described the deceased as a principled and upright man who consistently defended the interests of Yewaland while serving as a Muslim leader. According to him, the late cleric remained passionate about the welfare of younger generations and became a source of guidance and unity for many people across the region. “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. During a short lecture delivered at the burial ceremony, the Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, Dr. Raji Akano, reminded attendees about the importance of living meaningful and impactful lives. Akano stressed that death remains inevitable for every human being and encouraged people to make positive contributions to society while alive. He noted that the late Chief Imam had fulfilled his earthly mission and returned to his Creator, urging the living to remain conscious of the hereafter and dedicate themselves to acts that benefit humanity. Late Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola reportedly died on Saturday at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual leadership, community service, and religious harmony in Ogun State and beyond. The death of the respected Islamic scholar has continued to attract condolences from political leaders, Islamic organizations, community leaders, and residents across Yewaland and Ogun State. For more updates on Ogun State politics, religion, and community developments, visit LMSINT MEDIA.
