Tributes and condolences have continued to pour in for the late Baba Adinni of Lagos, His Eminence Shaykh Abdul-Afeez Abou, who passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 101.
The elder statesman was Executive Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and one of the topmost Islamic scholars in Yorubaland and the South-West Nigeria.
The Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, Lagos State Central Mosque, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, who broke the death said, “We regret to announce the death of our father-In-Islam, Baba Adinni of Lagos – (His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Ashamu Abou, OFR) who died today Tuesday, 9th January, 2024 at his residence.
He was buried yesterday after a Janazah prayer held at the Lagos Central Mosque along Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island.
The state deputy governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamza was at the prayer attended by prominent Islamic scholars in the state before he was buried at the Abari Cemetery, Lagos Island.
Sheikh Abou was an Islamic scholar of note, nurtured and brought up in the tradition of Islamic erudition.
Since his retirement in 1972 as a school principal, he has been an active player in affairs concerning Islam and Muslims at the national and international levels.
He was patron of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in the 1960s; a member of the Fatwa Committee of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the National Missioner of the Muslim Association of Nigeria; member, National Committee on Shariah and member, Council of Ula’mas.
Since his death, tributes have continued to flow from across the country with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leading the pack.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the president said he received the news of Baba Adinni’s passing “with a heavy heart”.
“President Tinubu condoles with Baba’s family, the Muslim community in Lagos, as well as the Lagos State government over this very sad loss.
“The president celebrates the inspiring legacy of service, duty, and sacrifice of Baba, who passed away at 100 years old, noting his extraordinary contributions to the Muslim Ummah, Lagos State, and beyond.
“Baba dedicated his life to the service of the people. He lived a full life guided by the highest and noblest moral codes. He was a fine example for all of us. He will be sorely missed. We should take solace in Baba’s legacy and uphold his values of honesty, dignity, and sacrifice,” the president said.
“President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah grant Baba the highest station in Al-Jannah Firdaus,” the statement added.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said his death was a great loss to the state.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in a statement by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the late Baba Adinni as a quintessential Islamic scholar, humble, warm and unassuming.
The Senator, representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, thanked Allah for the worthy life Baba lived all through.
