By Fisayo Akinduro
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described the late Grand Chief Imam of Owo Kingdom, Alhaji Sheikh (Dr) Mayor Ahmad Aladesawe, as a devout religious leader whose life was defined by humility, service to humanity and commitment to peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.
The governor made the remarks during the Firdau Prayer held in honour of the late cleric in Owo.
Aladesawe, until his demise, was the Chairman, League of Imams and Alfas, Ondo State, and the Secretary-General, League of Imams and Alfas, Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States.
Addressing the gathering, Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to God for the grace to witness the solemn occasion and appreciated the presence of dignitaries and religious leaders who came to honour the memory of the revered Islamic scholar.
“We thank the Lord for giving us the grace to witness this occasion,” the governor said. “I greet the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, for the support he has given me as the governor; thank you so much.”
Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the presence of the President-General, League of Imams and Alfas, Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Ondo State, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, noting that their attendance symbolised unity between the two major religions.
“This is what we should be seeing, Christians and Muslims living together in unity and coexistence because we serve one God.”
“Religious tolerance is very important; it is the only way we can coexist in peace and harmony,” he said.
The governor further commended all Imams and Alfas and extended greetings to the Grand Chief Imam of Akure, Sheikh Abdulhakeem Yayi Akorede.
He paid special tribute to the family of the deceased, describing Aladesawe as a religious man respected not only in Ondo State but also in neighbouring states.
“When he was alive, he supported the government, especially me. Whenever I called or he called, he always prayed for me,” Aiyedatiwa recalled.
The governor also recalled how the late cleric played a vital role during the last governorship campaign, mobilising support and canvassing votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“He stood by us when we started this government. He supported us during the campaign and encouraged residents to vote for Aiyedatiwa of the APC,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa prayed for the repose of the late cleric’s soul and urged his family to uphold his exemplary virtues of faith, humility and service to humanity.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, said the governor was fortunate to be in a gathering where Imams and Alfas from across the South-West assembled in one place for prayers.
The clerics offered prayers for the governor and appreciated his presence at the firdau prayer.