Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed his sadness over the demise of the Chief Imam of Oyo Town, Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero III, saying that the death was a huge loss to the people of the state.
The governor expressed his condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Oyo Town and Oyo State over the loss, declaring that the late Imam would be greatly missed.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as describing the departing Islamic cleric as a peacemaker, who worked peacefully with the Oyo Mesi, and the sons, and daugters of Oyo as well as all segments of the society.
The statement further quoted the governor as saying that the late Chief Imam played his part well in the development of the state and the growth of Islam.
He prayed to Allah to grant him Aljanah Firdaus and also grant the Muslim Ummah, the family of Chief Imam and the entire Oyo community the fortitude to bear the loss of the revered Islamic leader.
The governor said: “I received the news of the death of our Baba, the Chief Imam of Oyo Town, Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero III, with total submission to the will of Allah.
“His death is a huge loss to the state, because he contributed immensely to the growth of Islam and the development of Oyo State.
“I condole with all Oyo Mesi and the entire people of Oyo and the Muslim Ummah in the state.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty grants the late Chief Imam Sheikh Mashood Abdul Ganiyy Adebayo Ajokidero III, Aljanah Firdaus and gives everyone he left behind the strength and courage to bear the loss.”
….Ilaka Mourns
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial district Chief Luqman Oyebisi Ilaka has expressed deep sadness in the passing away of the Chief Imam of Oyo land, Sheik Imam Mas’ud AbdulGaniy Ajokidero III, describing his death as a personal loss.
Ilaka in a statement signed by Omolere Omoetan Media Director Ilaka Campaign Council, noted that the Chief Imam is not just a religious leader he looks up to, but also like a father to him, maintaining that the Imam is an exemplary leader and a lover of peace whose death had created a vacuum in the community.
Ilaka who is the Ladilu of Oyo Kingdom further noted that with the death of Sheik Imam Mas’ud AbdulGaniy Ajokidero III, Oyo land has lost a voice of unity and moderation.
Ilaka while extoling the virtues of the deceased, also expressed sadness at the timing of his death stressing that he died at a time Oyo land and the state needs his experience
“I knew and interacted closely with him. A true Servant of Allah who evinced that divine calling each time you have an encounter with him.
“His death is most unfortunate and a loss, not only to the Islamic world but to me and many others as well who knew him as I did.
“He was truly committed to the service of Allah and humanity. He was helpful in forging good relationship between Christians, Muslims and adherents of other religions in Oyo town.”
These, he did through his messages of tolerance, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence for which many will remember and extol him,” Ilaka said.
Ilaka prayed that Almighty Allah forgive him his shortcomings and grant him Al-janat firdaus.he also prayed Allah give his immediate family members and entire Muslima Ummah in Oyo and environs fortitude to bear his demise.
