The Aare Musulimi of Yorubaland and popular Ibadan-based businessman, Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao, has died. Alao died on Tuesday at the age of 69 at a hospital in Switzerland. Sources within the family said he died after a battle with colon cancer.
His remains are expected in Nigeria on Thursday to be interred according to Islamic rites.
As Aare Musulumi, a title he got from Muslim clerics in 1980, he was one of the most important and globally recognised Muslims in the western part of Nigeria.
Born in 1945, Alao grew from becoming a trader to owning major businesses spanning real estate, automobile, news media, flourmills and other such areas.
He was a known ally of the late military dictator, Sani Abacha.
Meanwhile, condolence messages have started pouring in from sympathisers.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described Alao’s demise as big a loss to Nigeria.
Atiku said in a statement by his media office in Abuja Wednesday that he was shocked and saddened by the death of business tycoon’s death. He noted that the colourful and astute businessman was passionate about Nigeria.
“Arisekola was a devout Muslim and community leader. He was generous and loved his people; the quality of his humanity and compassion was unprecedented. The country will surely miss him,” Atiku said.
“I visited him recently after the death of his wife and he hosted me to lunch in his palatial Ibadan home. He related well with all Nigerians.”
He expressed his condolences to the family and people and government of Oyo state over the loss.
Similarly, President Goodluck Jonathan described the news of Alao’s death as shocking. He condoled with the deceased’s family on be half of all Nigerians.
“On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends 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,” a statement signed by the presidential spokesman Reuben Abati read.
President Jonathan encouraged Alao’s family, relatives, friends, associates and dependants to be comforted by the fact that he lived a very fulfilled life, and in passing on, left behind a legacy of significant and commendable achievements.
Jonathan noted that Alao will always be remembered and honoured, especially for the remarkable entrepreneurial skills with which he established many successful businesses and created jobs for numerous Nigerians, as well as for his religious leadership and philanthropic gestures.
He prays that God Almighty receive the deceased’s soul and grant him eternal rest.
