A Chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka-Layonu SAN has mourned the demise of an Ede born Leader and icon, a great family man, philanthropist par excellence, internationally and nationally prominent and devout Muslim leader and Islamic scholar, Chief Sakariyyah .O. Babalola, who died on Wednesday morning.
Dr. Abiodun Saka-Layonu SAN who himself is an indigene of Ede lamented that the ancient town has lost a great icon, adding that Chief Babalola’s death has created a huge leadership vacuum because he (Chief Babalola) was a bridge builder, role model and mentor to many individuals across the country.
“I was hit by a rude shock when I received the news of Chief Babalola’s death, but I had to accept the reality of the story as death remains the end of all mortals. We will die and return to our creator one day but the most important thing is to live a good life like Chief Babalola did.
“Chief Babalola was a great religious leader who used his wealth, knowledge, experience and position to create, maintain and sustain peace across board. He lived an enviable good life and that remains the greatest lesson we should learn from our elder who just returned to Allah.
“I condole our Monarch, Oba Munirudeen Laminisa I, Timi of Edeland, Ede indigenes, Osun State, Nigeria in general and all his associates especially the Muslim Ummah. We pray that he finds peace and forgiveness before Almighty Allah” Dr. Ismail Abiodun Saka-Layonu SAN noted.
Until his death, the late Islamic leader, scholar, philanthropist and educationist was among other things the Vice President of the Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs.
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