*The late Alhaji Shakiru Ayilara.
The Secretary-General of the Ogun State Muslim Council (OMC), Asiwaju Kamal’deen Akintunde, has commiserated with the former Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Senator Sarafa Isola, over the death of his trusted associate, Alhaji Shakiru Adeola Ayilara, popularly known as “Shako Alhaji.”
In a condolence message to Isola, Akintunde described the death of Ayilara as a profound loss to the Muslim community, political circle and grassroots network across Ogun State.
He said the Islamic injunction, “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un” — meaning “From Allah we come, and to Him is our return” — aptly captured Isola’s acceptance of the deceased’s transition and submission to the will of Allah.
According to him, Shako Alhaji was “a man of many impactful parts,” describing him as a devout Muslim, respected community leader and prominent entrepreneur in the livestock and ram business.
Akintunde also highlighted Ayilara’s contributions to grassroots politics, describing him as a ranking mobiliser whose loyalty and commitment to his political associates were never in doubt.
He recalled the deceased’s service as a former councillor in the local government and his tenure as Chairman of the Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation, popularly known as Ile-Ise Alarobo Oja.
The OMC Secretary-General noted that Ayilara’s appointment to head the corporation was facilitated during Isola’s tenure as Secretary to the Ogun State Government, describing it as a “well-deserved elevation.”
He said Ayilara’s death was particularly painful coming at a time when his wealth of grassroots experience, influence and strategic counsel would have been valuable as preparations for the next political dispensation gather momentum.
“His transition is undoubtedly a colossal loss to the political circle,” Akintunde said, stressing that the deceased would be greatly missed by his associates, political allies, community and family.
He urged Isola to accept the loss as an act of divine will and prayed for strength for him, the immediate family of the deceased and his numerous associates to cope with the bereavement.
Akintunde, who is also the Balogun of Itesi (Egba Alake) Muslims, prayed Almighty Allah to forgive Ayilara’s shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
He also invoked the traditional prayer, “Igba a jin si’ra o, Amin,” while praying for divine fortitude for all those mourning the deceased.