Lagos Chief Imam: Ambode, Tinubu, Muslim Students’ Society mourn

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the death of the highly revered Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim Akinola (Gana V).
Akinola, died on Sunday in Lagos at the age of 79.
The governor, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, described the development as a great loss to the Muslim Community, the state and the country in general.
He said the late cleric would be sorely missed and remembered for his bold and courageous sermons which stood him out in the present-day Nigeria.
The governor said the late cleric was a great man of God who spoke truth to power not minding whose ox was gored, and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the State.
He said: “It is with deep sense of great loss but total submission to the will of God that I note the demise of the Chief Imam of our dear State, Alhaji Garuba Akinola. He was indeed a respected cleric who was always mindful of his integrity and used his sermons to engineer positive changes in the behaviour and character of his followers.
“He was a devout Muslim; humanist and bridge builder and would be remembered for his fairness, boldness and thought-provoking sermons.”
Ambode, while commiserating with the family of the late cleric, urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and contributed immensely to the peaceful coexistence in the State until his demise.
“On behalf of my family and the people of Lagos State, I like to specially commiserate with the immediate family of the deceased and the Muslim Community for this great irreparable loss,” the Governor said.
Also, All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has mourned the death of the Chief Imam.
The former Lagos governor said Sheikh Ibrahim would be sorely missed as he always put his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam at the disposal of many in Lagos.
In a statement in Lagos by Tinubu Media Office, Tinubu said: “I’m deeply saddened by the death of the Chief Imam of Lagos. But as Muslims, we must take every occurrence as the will of Allah.
“As the leading Islamic scholar in Lagos, Sheikh Ibrahim will be sorely missed not only by Muslim faithful but by the people of Lagos and South-West.
“Sheikh Ibrahim always put his deep knowledge and understanding of Islam at the disposal of many. Through his sermon and ‘Khutbat’, he drew attention to the various societal ills and suggested corrective steps.
“As Lagos State governor, I presented him with the staff of office as the 9th Chief Imam of Lagos on July 30, 2000 following the demise of his predecessor, the late Alhaji Liadi Alade Ibrahim (OBE). I will miss him personally. He brought calming words during our period of turmoil.
“I mourn with members of his immediate family. I mourn with Muslim Ummah in Lagos, across the country and the world. May Almighty Allah grant him Al Jannah Firdaus.”
In a related development, members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria have expressed condolence over the death.
President of the MSSN in Lagos State, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, described the Chief Imam 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 him as one of the righteous.”