Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef has described the Chief Imam of Lagos, His Eminence, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, as an icon of religious tolerance who lived a life worthy of emulation.
He stated this in a condolence message issued and signed by his Media Assistant, Mr. Olalekan Murisiku.
AbdulLateef noted that the demise of His Eminence, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, was not only a loss to the Muslim community but to Lagos State at large.
He said, “The Chief Imam of Lagos, His Eminence, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, may Allah be pleased with him, he was a father of all, a pristine teacher of Islamic message, and a peace builder who played key roles in ensuring peaceful coexistence of people of different faiths in Nigeria.
“We are going to miss him. But we thank Allah for a life well spent. May Allah grant him Aljanah fridaous (Paradise). May He give his family and the Muslim community to the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, he prayed.
DAILY POST learnt that the 9th Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Garuba Akinola Ibrahim died today (Sunday) at the age of 79 after a brief illness.
Similarly, Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) also expressed condolence over the death of the Chief Imam.
MSSN President in Lagos State, Dr. Saheed Ashafa while reacting to the death of the cleric in a press statement sent to DAILY POST Sunday evening, described him as a worthy leader.
Ashafa urged other Islamic leaders to emulate the deceased, saying that his promotion of unity was outstanding.
He said, “The Muslim students in Lagos State sympathise with the Muslim Community on the loss of our father, His Eminence, Garuba Akinola. We pray that Allah forgives him and grant him Al-janat ul-Firdaus.
“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.
“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”.
Comments