Arisekola-Alao for burial today The remains of Ibadan billionaire, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, will be buried on Friday (today). A statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media to the Oyo State Governor, Festus Adedayo, said that there would be a prayer for Arisekola at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex by 9am, after which his remains would be buried. “The body of the late Deputy President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is expected to touch down at the airport tomorrow (Friday) morning, after which it will be moved in a motorcade to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where prayers will be held,” said the statement in part. “Arisekola’s remains will be committed to mother earth at his Oluwo Kekere residence, Bashorun Area, Ibadan,” it added. Expected at the burial of the philanthropist are dignitaries from all walks of life, top government officials, representatives of the federal and state governments, religious leaders, politicians, captains of industry and Muslim leaders. Among those who visited Arisekola’s family house on Thursday were the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Oba Otudeko, Juju musician, Chief Ebenezer Obey and hundreds of mourners, who attested to the deceased philanthropic gesture. Early on Thursday, Arisekola’s younger brother, Alhaji Abu, was on hand to receive sympathisers, with Chief Lateef Oyelade and Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi by his side. By 3pm, the condolence register had up to 783 entries, with more people waiting to pen down their tribute. Garrison Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanised Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Abejirin, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin, Prince Jide Osinubi, Yoruba actor Jimoh Aliu, Emir of Shonga, H.N Yahaya and a former Lagos State governor, Gen. Raji Rasaki (retd.) were some of those who visited the house on Thursday. In his own tribute, Amosun said, “A good man is gone to rest in the bosom of the Almighty Allah. We will miss your smile, your warmth, your candor, your inspiring thoughts and leadership, a devoted Muslim, who cares for all and sundry; a philanthropist of repute.Adieu Our dear Egbon, May Almighty Allah grant you Aljanat fridaus. Bye bye, Aare.” In his tribute, Obey described Arisekola as a special gift to humanity and a philanthropist to the generality of people. Meanwhile, more prominent Nigerians have continued to pour encomiums on the late businessman. A former President, Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Belgore, on Thursday described the death of Arisekola-Alao as sad and a big loss to the nation. Akanbi spoke to journalists in Ilorin during the graduation of his Nana Aisat Arabic Nursery and Primary School, Oke Adinni Akerebiata, Ilorin. “He was a good friend. When I was in Ibadan because of my commitment to religion, he used to call me Aare Court of Appeal and I called him, Aare of Yorubaland. We joked a lot. “In fact, he came to Ilorin here for a marriage and he looked bright. Although, I have heard he was sick, he looked so bright and I was even joking with him, ‘You look so bright and so fine, what is the secret of it?’ He said, ‘It is the grace of God.’ “But when the news of his death came, naturally we are all very despondent; we felt bad. He was an asset to Islam. Also, the Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu, on Thursday expressed shock over his death and described the late Aare Musulumi as an exemplary Islamic cleric, successful businessman, astute politician and avowed philanthropist. He called on Nigerians, especially the younger generation of leaders to emulate the worthy legacies and selfless service of the deceased who served humanity all through his life. Copyright PUNCH.
Posted on: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 06:46:10 +0000
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