Two foremost Muslim groups in the country, The Companion and Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have commiserated with the Muslim Ummah on the death of Alhaji Alhaji (Chief) Sakariyau O. Babalola.
Alhaji Babalola, President of Muslim Ummah Of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and Deputy President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs ( NSCIA) died on Wednesday morning.
In his condolence message, the national Amir of The Companion, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike wrote “We commiserate with the whole of Muslim Ummah in Nigeria (NSCIA), the Muslim Ummah Of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Lagos Muslim Community and the entire human race at the demise of our great father who remained committed to the deen till his last day.
“We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive him his sins, grant him into Aljanna Fridaous and grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. We will miss his openness, accessibility and financial support to the Ummah. May his soul Rest In Peace in paradise. Amin”
On his part, the founder and Director of MURIC, Professor Lakin Akintola in a press statement stated that “The deceased was a committed Muslim who spent the greater part of his life promoting the religion of Islam.
“Babalola was a lover of young Nigerians and he empowered many economically. An industrialist of great repute, he was a strong believer in hardwork, dignity and honesty. He was also a disciplinarian of no small measure.
“Popularly known as ‘SOB’, Alhaji S. O. Babalola was a sociable personality in the 70s and 80s and Fuji musicians waxed records in his praise. Alhaji Babalola was a popular philanthropist who rescued thousands of poor Nigerians from poverty. To his credit were several chieftaincy titles.
“He was kind-hearted, humane and pious. Alhaji Babalola was visionary and he encouraged his close associates to plan for the future. He was the most popular and dynamic Muslim leader in the South West. Nigerian Muslims will miss him.
“MURIC mourns Alhaji Sakariyau Babalola with nostalgia. Reminiscences of his action-packed interactions with us at meetings, conferences and long trips flash intermittently in our minds. He was an incomparable father and mentor. Our hearts bleed.
“Alhaji Babalola was succeeded by many children, among them was Remi Babalola, a former minister.
May Almighty Allah overlook his trespasses, widen his grave and make his Qiyamah and Al-Akhirah (Resurrection and Hereafter) events of joy for him. May Allah continue to protect and bless all he left behind.”