Chief Imam of Owo and Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas, Ahmad Aladesawe, has died at the age of 91.
Kamorudeen Ishola, a Muslim leader in Owo, confirmed the death to newsmen on Tuesday, stating that Aladesawe passed away on Monday evening at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.
Ishola described the late Imam as a respected Islamic scholar and community leader who dedicated his life to the promotion of Islam in Ondo State and beyond.
The late cleric is scheduled to be buried according to Islamic rites at 2 pm on Tuesday in his hometown, Owo, Owo Local Government Area.
The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) in Ondo State has expressed condolences to Aladesawe’s family, the Owo Muslim community, and Nigerians at large. Abdulwaasii Yusuf, State Missioner of NACOMYO, described him as “one of the most supportive pillars of NACOMYO and one of the greatest Islamic scholars in the region.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Aladesawe previously served as Secretary General of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo, and Delta States. He was widely admired for his contributions to the growth of Islam and peacebuilding initiatives across Ondo State.
Sympathisers have described his passing as a significant loss to the Muslim community and the state, praying that Allah grants him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.