Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has expressed deep grief over the death of Alhaji Shakiru Adeola Ayilara, popularly known as “Shako Alhaji,” describing the deceased as a trusted political ally and committed associate.
Ayilara, aged 67, was the Ogun State Chairman of the Association of Ram Sellers and a prominent grassroots figure with strong links across the political, business and community circles of the state.
He died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, throwing his family, friends, political associates, community members and colleagues in the ram sellers’ association into mourning.
Reacting to the death, Isola said he had lost not only a political associate but also a trusted ally whose loyalty, commitment and contributions to community affairs would be greatly missed.
“I have lost a trusted ally,” Isola said while mourning the deceased, recalling the years of friendship and political association they shared.
He described Ayilara as a dependable grassroots mobiliser and community leader who remained committed to the interests of his people and those around him.
According to him, Ayilara’s death represents a significant loss to the community and to the many people who benefited from his counsel, friendship and leadership.
The deceased was widely regarded as a grassroots leader who combined his business activities with community development, public service and political engagement.
Until his death, Ayilara served as Chairman of the Association of Ram Sellers in Ogun State, where he represented the interests of members and contributed to the coordination of ram sellers across the state.
His leadership experience dated back several decades. He served as a councillor in the then Abeokuta Local Government in 1987, marking his early involvement in grassroots administration and public service.
He also served as Chairman of the Ike Oluwa Community Development Association, Imala, Abeokuta, where he played an active role in community leadership and development initiatives.
Ayilara was also a former Chairman of the Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation, a position that further reflected his involvement in organised economic and public-sector activities.
His political activities brought him into close contact with several political and community stakeholders in Ogun State, particularly within the Abeokuta axis, where he was considered a familiar and influential grassroots figure.
The Ayilara family, in an obituary announcement issued on Wednesday, expressed profound grief over his passing while affirming its submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
The family remembered him as a beloved son, father, brother and community leader whose life was defined by service to his family and the wider society.
His death is expected to be particularly felt among members of the Association of Ram Sellers, community leaders, business associates and political figures who interacted with him over the years.
Despite his various leadership responsibilities, Ayilara remained closely connected to his roots and maintained relationships across community, business and political circles.
His Janazah prayer and burial were scheduled to take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Olomore Cemetery, Abeokuta, at 4 p.m.
The family called on relatives, friends, associates and sympathisers to join in prayers for the repose of his soul.
It also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
The obituary announcement was signed by Adeyanju Kabiru Ayilara (Wesco) on behalf of the Ayilara family.
