The Lagos State Muslim Community has been thrown into mourning as Chief Imam of the state, Garuba Akinola Ibrahim passed away on Sunday, aged 79.
He died at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) following a brief illness.
He is expected buried on Monday in accordance with Islamic rites at the central mosque at 3pm.
Late Akinola, a renowned Islamic scholar became the Chief Imam of Lagos at the age of 63. He attended the famour Morcas Arabic School from 1959 to 1961 and distinguished himself as a front line Islamic scholar and preacher.
He was also a civil servant serving in various capacities especially the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) where he retired after 32 years of meritorious service.
Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa described the late cleric as a honest man who stood for the truth all his entire life.
In a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Musbau Rasak, the Speaker said Lagos State and the Nation would miss Akinola’s honesty and commitment to national development.
Condolences have started pouring in over the demise of the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim (Gana V), who died yesterday September 24 at 79.
All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said Sheikh Ibrahim would be sorely missed as he always put his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam at the disposal of many in Lagos.
In a statement issued last night in Lagos by Tinubu Media Office, the former governor said: “I’m deeply saddened by the death of the Chief Imam of Lagos. But as Muslims, we must take every occurrence as the will of Allah.
“As the leading Islamic scholar in Lagos, Sheikh Ibrahim will be sorely missed not only by Muslim faithful but by the people of Lagos and South-west.
“Sheikh Ibrahim always put his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam at the disposal of many. Through his sermon and ‘Khutbat’, he drew attention to the various societal ills and suggested corrective steps.
The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria described him as a worthy leader.
"He was indeed an epitome of unity for the Nigerian Muslims and a worthy father for all. He would be remembered for keeping Muslims together in the state and beyond,” their statement said.
"Although, the vacuum he left behind may appear difficult to fill but his legacy while alive would create a source of guidance for the Muslim community. May Allah accept his as one of the righteous."
