By Agboola Bayo
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, yesterday described the Aare of Ibadanland and Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, the late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, as a “bridge builder par excellence”.
Already, Oyo state government has declared today (Friday) as a work-free day in the state for the burial ceremony of the Muslim leader who died on Wednesday.
In a condolence message to the family of the deceased, made available to journalists in Ibadan yesterday, Akinjide said the death of Alao was “indeed a great loss to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo state and Nigeria”, adding that he was an icon and a rare humanist whose vacuum would be difficult to fill.
She said: “It is with the deepest sense of sorrow that I mourn the sudden demise of our Patriarch, the Aare of Ibadanland and Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, a religious leader, philanthropist and bridge builder par excellence. I commiserate with his family, the good people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also expressed sadness over Alao’s death.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, signed by its Oyo state chairman, Chief Akin Oke, the party noted that the news came to it as a rude shock, saying he died at a time his fatherly advice was mostly needed by the people of Oyo state and Nigeria at large.
“He died at a time we believe we needed him most but we are consoled by the fact that every human souls will taste death at the predestined time,” it said, adding, “All what he was able to achieve while on earth will take century to be erased by anybody who dares to do.
“Unlike many of his kind who prefer to establish all their business outfits outside the state and Nigeria, most of his companies’ headquarters and offices are visible in Oyo state and neighbouring states and they were able to absorb many job seekers, thereby contributing meaningfully to the economy of the state and the country.”
While sympathising with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, over the death of the late Muslim leader, the party added, “Those who are dependent on him will surely miss his kind gesture, which will take years to be equalled”.
