President Jonathan, Atiku and Ibadan elders mourn Arisekola Alao

President Goodluck  Jona­than has described the death of the renowned Nigerian businessman and religious leader, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao, as shocking and sad.

In a statement by the Spe­cial Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan while extending his sincere condolences to the Ariseko­la-Alao family as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State on the passing away of the famed Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, noted that he was a famous entrepreneur, community and religious leader.

In a condolence yesterday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the demise of Arisekola-Alao was a loss to Nigeria.

He said in a statement by his media office in Abuja that he was shocked and saddened by the death of the business mogul.

The former vice president noted that the colourful and astute businessman was pas­sionate about Nigeria.

The former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu also described Arisekola- Alao as a detrabilised Nigerian, whose death is a big loss to the nation. In a condolence message signed by his Special Ad­viser, Prince ‘Kunle Oyewu­mi, Kalu said, “Aare was a nation builder who built friendship across the length and breadth of the country.

“Despite being an Islamic leader, he accommodated all and sundry, irrespective of religion. He promoted peaceful co existence be­tween the Muslims and Christians. His life was dedicated to the caring of the less privileged in the so­ciety.”

The former governor urged the family of the deceased to take solace in the fact that he lived an accomplished life, dedicated to God and humanity.

Also, Kwara State Gover­nor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, de­scribed Arisekola Alao as a bridge builder. Governor Ahmed, in a con­dolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said it was painful that Aris­ekola died at a time when Nigeria needs wise counsel of such elderstatesmen at this critical time in Nigeria’s history.

Among dignitaries that stormed Arisekola-Alao Ibadan home yesterday were Oyo State Governor, Sena­tor Abiola Ajimobi, his dep­uty, Moses Alake Adeyemo, ALGON chairman, Alhaji Yekeen Popoola, Speaker of the Oyo State House of As­sembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, wife of state governor Mrs. Florence Ajimobi,  the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Busari Haruna ,an Ibadan-based businessman Alhaji Lateef Oyelade among oth­ers.

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode described him as “a gener­ous, kind and loving man.

Former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi in his comment said: “I spoke with him yes­terday, he spoke very well. It is a big loss to Ibadan people. Somebody called to tell me. He said he was go­ing for medical check up in Switzerland and from there to London.

National president of Na­tional Council of Muslim Youths Organisation (NA­COMYO),  Alhaji Kamaldeen Akintunde, in a condo­lence message said the death was devastating coming few weeks after the death of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

According to Akintunde, “ the Muslims Ummahs have yet lost a great financier and pillar of Islam whose act of benevolence and charity cut across tribal and reli­gious boundaries.”

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