Culled From Tribune
THE Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, described the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, as a great loss to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria. Akinjide, in a statement by her media aide, Mr Adedeji Adeyemi, said the late business mogul would be remembered as a patriarch, religious leader, philanthropist and a bridge-builder par excellence. “It is with the deepest sense of sorrow that I mourn the sudden demise of our patriarch. He was an icon and a rare humanist, whose vacuum will be difficult to fill. “I commiserate with his family, the good people of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large. May the good Lord grant him eternal rest,” Akinjide said.
We have lost a rare gem in Oyo, South-West —Oyo, Osun PDP
THE Oyo and Osun states chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) described the death of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, as the exit of a great icon and leader in Oyo State, South-West and indeed, the entire country. Speaking with Nigerian Tribune, on Thursday, the chairman of the party in Oyo State, Alhaji Yinka Taiwo, said the state has lost a father and a leader, saying: “Aare was a father to all; he was a great leader who showed others the way and impacted many lives. “As a person, his death is a great loss to me and our party, the PDP, has indeed, lost someone we hold very dearly. Without doubt, Aare’s death will leave a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill for the state and the South-West. “We pray for his family and the people of Ibadanland that God will give them the courage and wisdom to handle the loss.” In a statement by the Osun PDP chairman, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, the Osun PDP described Arisekola-Alao as a father of Osun State and the South-West, saying his life was a model to many. “Alhaji Arisekola-Alao was a man of the people, he always put others first and sought the good of all; his death is, indeed, the exit of a titan. May the Lord grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” the Osun PDP said.
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He lived an exemplary life —Adesiyan
MINISTER of Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan, described the late Ibadan-based business mogul and Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, as a philanthropist, who positively impacted lives of many Nigerians, regardless of religious, political and ethnic affiliation.
The minister, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Wale Akinola, said the deceased made a landmark in the areas of business, politics and religion, saying his philanthropic gestures would be greatly missed, not only by his immediate family, but by the entire citizenry of the country, especially the people of Ibadan, his hometown.
“I received the news of the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, with a rude shock, especially now that his kind gesture is mostly needed, as the holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching.
“Alhaji Arisekola lived an exemplary life that is worthy of emulation. He contributed his own quota to the development of the nation through his business, especially with the establishment of the defunct Monitor newspaper. He also made huge impact in ensuring religious tolerance in the South-West zone of the country as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.”
A monumental loss —Abina
THE death of Aare Arisekola-Alao has been described as a monumental loss by Dr Ayo Abina.
In a statement issued on Thursday, he noted that “the passing on of Aare Arisekola-Alao is a monumental loss to the people of Ibadan, Yoruba people and, indeed, the nation.
“This was a man, who despite legendary wealth and influence was an embodiment of humility, compassion, love and service to people.
“I learnt a lot from him about what the role of men and leaders should be and the outstanding virtue which permeated his life was the fear of God, which is essential for peace.
“May Allah forgive his human failings, keep his home, people, the nation and grant him Aljanah.”
He was a great mentor —Obanikoro
MINISTER of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, expressed sadness over the death of business guru and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, saying: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing on of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao.”
The minister said this in his reaction to the exit of the deputy president of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), describing the deceased as “a great egbon and mentor.”
Obanikoro also described the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland as an extremely humble, kind and generous person, saying he rose to become a great pillar of strength and support in the Muslim community.
The minister noted that given the noble role the deceased played while he was alive, he would be greatly missed by all.
His death, blow to Yorubaland —Femi-Fani Kayode
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing on of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. He was such a generous, kind and loving man. This is a terrible blow to Yorubaland and a great loss to Nigeria. My heart goes out to his family, his loved ones and to the people of Ibadan particularly. May his precious soul rest in perfect peace.
No word to describe this loss —Adedoja
By Rotimi Ige
THE former Minster for Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, has expressed unimaginable shock on the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, having spoken to him two days earlier.
“I called him on Monday while he was in Switzerland and he informed me that he was returning home on Wednesday. This is a rude shock. I have no word to describe this loss. This is a huge loss to Yourubaland, the nation and Islam,” he said.
Despite his stupendous wealth, he was humble, amiable —Ita-Giwa
Bola Badmus – Lagos
CHAIRMAN, Committee on Environment at the ongoing national conference, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, on Thursday, described the death of businessman and Islamic leader, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, as a great loss to Oyo people and Nigeria at large.
Ita-Giwa, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, eulogised the deceased and singled out the fact that, in spite of his stupendous wealth, he was humble and amiable.
She recounted his hospitality and philanthropic gestures towards the needy and underprivileged, which made his Ibadan home a Mecca of sort.
Ita-Giwa added that although the deceased was not an active politician, he supported democracy in his capacity as a nationalist and a statesman, saying his contributions to national development would be missed.
The statement read in part: “I join millions of Nigerians in commiserating with the Oyo State government and the family of late Alhaji Arisekola Alao who died at 69.
“So many qualities stood him out, but I am particularly touched by the fact that, in spite of his stupendous wealth, he was humble, amiable and very hospitable.
“He meets you with a smile at every encounter and we all know that he lived a very fulfilling life, in that he used his wealth to affect the underprivileged in the society.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah will fortify the family he has left behind and the repose of his soul.”
leader, philanthropist —ASN
THE Ansar-u-Deen Society of Nigeria, through its national organising secretary, Ibraheem Kilani, said the death of Aare Musulumi, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, was a big loss to Muslims in Nigeria, because he was a bridge between the Muslims in the North and Yorubaland. Late Arisekola-Alao, Deputy President General, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs was a pillar in Yorubaland. We miss an amiable, pious leader and a philanthropist.
We’ve lost another MKO Abiola —NACOMYO
Olayinka Olukoya – Abeokuta
THE national president of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), Alhaji Kamal’deen, has described the death of Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola -Alao, as a great lost to Nigeria’s Muslim community.
Akintunde, in an interview with newsmen said the deceased was a great financier and pillar of Islam, whose act of benevolence and charity cut across tribal and religious boundaries.
He said: “A philanthropist par excellence and business guru, a man of wisdom will be remembered for his sense of humour usually displayed at public functions.
“Several Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, have benefitted from his philanthropism .
“Not less than a week ago, over 100 Muslim pilgrims returned from lesser hajj, which he bankrolled. I am a beneficiary of such gesture, which I undertook last year.
“He had been sponsoring people for lesser hajj to witness the washing of holy Kaaba in Saudi Arabia, every Month of Shaaban.
In the last 15 years, the Aare had been sponsoring hundreds of Nigerian Muslims to be part of exercise.
“We have lost another MKO Abiola. The vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill. I cannot think of any Nigerian Muslim, who can can readily fit in and replace this phinthropist, whose act of benevolence cuts across.”
His death saddening —Oyo APC
THE Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed sadness over the death of Aare Arisekola- Alao.
The party, in a statement issued in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by its chairman, Chief Akin Oke and signed by its interim publicity secretary, Dauda Kolawole, stated that the news of Arisekola-Alao’s death came as a rude shock, adding that he died at a time his fatherly advice was mostly needed by the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
The party also sympathised with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III over the death of the late Muslim leader.
“All he was able to achieve while on earth will take centuries to be erased by anybody. Unlike many of his kind, who preferred to establish all their business outfits outside the state and Nigeria, most of his companies’ headquarters and offices are visible in Oyo State and neighbouring states and they were able to absorb many job-seekers, thereby contributing meaningfully to the economy of the state and the country.
Most shocking, devastating, saddening —Lanlehin
THE vice chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning, Economic Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, has described the death of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Arisekola-Alao, as most shocking, devastating and saddening.
Lanlehin said in a statement issued by his media aide, Olawale Sadare, that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao answered the final homecall at a time his good leadership qualities, managerial acumen and humanitarian services were most needed by the people from all facets of life.
“The unfortunate news of the death of Aare, as he was fondly called by his admirers, came to us as a rude shock, in view of the fact that he was a model, who not only touched the lives of many people positively, but also contributed his quota to the socio-economic, political and religious development of Africa.
“For many years, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao played the role of a statesman, astute businessman and devout religious leader. In all of thess, he was able to transform the society, as many people across the world who came across him benefitted one thing or another.
“Ibadanland, the Muslim community and the entire universe will sorely miss him,” Lanlehin stated.
His friendship had no barrier —Senator Akinlabi
Oluwole Ige – Osogbo
FORMER Minister for Youth Development, Senator Rasheed Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, described late Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as a bridge builder, who had no inhibition in making friend with any Nigerian, irrespective of religious belief and ethnicity.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Ayo Aluko Olokun, Akinlabi, a former governorship aspirant in Osun State, said the deceased was “a foremost Islamic leader in the South-West and Nigeria.”
According to him, Arisekola-Alao was a good Islamic leader, an entrepreneur of note and a strong voice in the politics of Oyo State.
He would be greatly missed for his numerous acts of kindness and generosity, especially for his consistent support for the growth and development of Islam in Nigeria.
His death strange, shocking —Teslim Folarin
REACTING to the news of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao’s death, on Thursday, former Senate Leader and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Teslim Folarin said: “The news of Aare Arisekola-Alao’s death is shocking and strange. I am yet to recover from the shock. His death is, indeed, a great loss to the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, where he is a revered leader and to the Muslim ummah in the South-West and Nigeria.
“Aare’s death marks the end of an era. Not again will Ibadan find someone like him. He was a great leader in the mould of Baba Adedibu and other great leaders, who loved everyone around them and sought their happiness always. I was particularly close to him; he was always ready to offer advice and direction and we will miss him. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Arisekola was a man of peace —Senator Agboola
THE Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Hosea Agboola, described Aare’s death as a great loss to Ibadanland and the entire South-West, describing him as a great man and an exemplary religious leader.
“Arisekola-Alao was loved by all; he was a good man, a man of peace. I personally respect him for his exemplary lifestyle as a businessman, philanthropist and religious leader. His wisdom and sense of direction will be missed, but Allah gives and takes life; there is nothing we can do.
“I pray for the fortitude to bear the loss for the family and the state.”
He’s irreplaceable —Gbolarumi
FORMER deputy governor, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, described Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as irreplaceable to Ibadan, Muslim community in Nigeria and internationally.
He said his death was one without the right word to describe now.
“Daddy was a unifying factor in all ways—religious-wise, politically and most importantly, in humanitarian service. He made himself accessible to all and sundry by catering for all irrepective of their background. In fact, no one can really describe his loss now, until when those situations that demanded his attention arise,” he said.
His legacies, indelible —Aliyu
NIGER State governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, expressed shock over the death of the Aare of Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao.
The governor, who described the late Aare as an exemplary Islamic cleric, successful businessman, astute politician and avowed philanthropist, called on Nigerians, especially the younger generation of leaders to emulate the worthy legacies and selfless service of the deceased, who served humanity all his life.
In a press statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebije A. Israel, he described the passing a of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as unfortunate, noting that Nigerians would miss his wisdom, spiritual guidance, intellectual depth and moral uprightness.
“We are, indeed, saddened by the fact that the late Arisekola-Alao left us at a time his wealth of experience and knowledge would have helped greatly in overcoming prevailing ugly circumstances in our dear country.
His passage has further depleted the ranks of patriotic, selfless, pious and genuine cleric and Nigerians, who are solely committed to offering their best for the good of all and Nigeria in particular.”
He was a legend —Lagos Assembly spokesperson
Bola Badmus – Lagos
LAGOS House of Assembly chairman, Committee on Information, Strategy, Security and Publicity, Honourable Segun Olulade, described Alhaji Arisekola-Alao, who passed on.
Olulade said in a release issued in Lagos, on Wednesday, that the late Arisekola-Alao was able to balance his ethno-religious, socio-political and economic lives adequately while alive.
The lawmaker representing Epe Constituency 11 described the deceased as a man, who played his roles in almost every strata of life adequately.
“Chief Arisekola-Alao was a detribalised man, as he gave his daughter in marriage to the son of Chief Emmanuel Nwuanyanwu of Imo descent, South-East Nigeria.
“Alhaji Arisekola-Alao was a household name. I grew up knowing him as a man at the centre in almost every aspect of human endeavours. I cannot count several national burning issues he used his wisdom to mediate for to ensure peace and stability of the polity. His generosity knew no bound. He was always calm, simple and soft spoken,” he said.
He was a philanthropist of note —Seyi Makinde
ANOTHER governorship aspirant, Mr Seyi Makinde, speaking through his Media Assistant, Mr Azeez Hakeem, said the news of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao’s death was shocking and the pain it left behind indescribable.
“Alhaji Arisekola-Alao was a Muslim, who loved all other religions; he was a man of peace. As a philanthropist of note, the lives he has touched positively are countless; the state will miss him greatly. May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus,” Makinde said.
A big loss —Soun of Ogbomoso
Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, described the death of the Alhaji Arisekola- Alao, the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland as a huge loss to the nation.
In a statement signed by his private secretary, Toyin Ajamu, Oba Oyewumi said: “The demise of Aare is shocking and painful.
“He was a philanthropist par excellence and a successful business mogul by all standards.
“Arisekola-Alao was a pillar of support to many in the society, irrespective of tribe, age, race, religion and political divides.
“He will be remembered for his large heart and humility.”
The traditional ruler noted that Arisekola-Alao contributed immensely to the social, economic and poltical development of the nation.
He urged the Arisekola family to take solace in the fact that the deceased dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.
It’s shocking, sad —Adeojo
CHIEF Yekini Adeojo described the death of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as very shocking and sad.
Adeojo, whose son is engaged to one of the daughters of the late Aare Musulumi of Ibadanland, said he found it difficult to believe the news of the death.
According to him: “We met in Saudi Arabia recently during Umurah and he was looking well. He sponsored many people to Saudi Arabia for the last Umurah. I visited him in his Ibadan residence 11 days ago, where he feted many people; there was no sign that he would die soon.
“His death is a serious blow to Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant him Aljanah Fridaus.”
Adeojo, who said it would be difficult to find another person like Arisekola-Alao, described him as a very generous and kind-hearted man, who pursued whatever he believed in with the whole of his heart.
“Ibadan has lost one of its finest men ever,” he said.
His exit, great loss to Nigeria —Hon Ajibola
Bola Badmus – Lagos
THE chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Honourable Muraina Ajibola, expressed shock, describing the death of Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as great loss to Nigeria, the Muslim community and the Yoruba nation.
Honourable Muraina, representing Ibarapa North and Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency, said this on Wednesday in his reaction, declaring that his exit was a great loss to the country at a time the country was passing through trying times.
The lawmaker said the late Islamic leader would, no doubt, be greatly missed by the country, the NSCIA and the Yoruba nation, adding that “he would be missed in the politics of Oyo State, not because he was a politician, but because he was one of the determinants of where the pendulum should swing.”
It’s exit of great pillar —Arapaja
AMBASSADOR Taofeek Arapaja, described the demise of the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao as the exit of a great pillar in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large, whose inprints in business and philanthropy will be remembered by the people.
Describing the late leader as a man, whose entire life was dedicated to the promotion of peace, religious tolerance, inter-ethnic understanding and concept of ‘omoluabi’ through personal example of humility in greatness.
He said despite of his enormous wealth and connections within and outside Nigeria, Alhaji Arisekola-Alao chose to live a simple life, feeling at home with all categories of people without discrimination.
Ambassador Arapaja said Alhaji Arisekola-Alao’s influence in Ibadan spanned over four decades, during which he vigorously pursued the enthronment of social justice without nursing grudges against anyone.
