* Chief Imam of Lagos leads Muslim scholars, Islamic organisations in janazah
* Tinubu, Adebule, Pantami, MPAC, MURIC, TMC, others mourn
Hundreds of sympathisers, Muslim scholars and representatives of notable Islamic organisations in Nigeria on Wednesday, January 9, attended the janazah (funeral prayers) of the late Baba Adinni of Lagos, His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou-Nolla at the Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe Street, Lagos Island.
The remains of the revered Islamic scholar, who died aged 101, were laid to rest at Abari cemetery, Petey street, Lagos, amidst tributes from personalities across Nigeria, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator (Dr.) Idiat Adebule, and former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami, among others.
Notable Islamic organisations and Arabic institutions in Nigeria, including Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC; Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN; The Muslim Congress (TMC) also penned glowing tributes to the late Sheikh Abou, who was a forerunner in the emancipation of Muslims in the Southwest.
Hundreds of sympathisers, Muslim scholars and representatives of notable Islamic Organisations on January 10, attended the janazah (funeral prayers) of the late Baba Adinni of Lagos, His Eminence Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou Nolla at the Lagos Central Mosque, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Lagos. pic.twitter.com/WdmyycxXfx
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) January 10, 2024
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, led the janazah (funeral prayers) immediately after solatu dhur at the central mosque premises, while respected Islamic scholars, including the national missioner Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad; Director of Daru Na’im, Sheikh Imran Eleha; Mudir Daru Da’wah Wal Irshad, Isolo, Sheikh Ridwanullah Mustapha Zuglool and immediate former NAHCON chair, Zikrullah Hassan led the prayer session at the graveside.
Muslim News gathered that some of the dignitaries include the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; pioneer Executive Secretary, MUSWEN, Professor Dawud Noibi; Deputy President 1, MUSWEN, Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti; Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulaiman Faruq Onikijipa; Secretary-General, Ogun Muslim Council, Alhaji Kamoldeen Akintunde, among others honoured the late Sheikh Abou, a distinguished Islamic scholar from a noble lineage of Imams and religious devotees.
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Tinubu celebrates inspiring legacy of service, duty, and sacrifice of Sheikh Abou
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, mourned the passage of the prominent Islamic scholar.
“It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT
receives the news of the passing of His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Aṣhamu Abou, Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque.
President Tinubu mourns His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Aṣhamu Abou, OFR
It is with a heavy heart that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receives the news of the passing of His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul-Hafeez Aṣhamu Abou, Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council… pic.twitter.com/wBNpmdgRES
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) January 10, 2024
“President Tinubu condoles with Baba’s family, the Muslim community in Lagos, as well as the Lagos State Government over this very sad loss.
“The president celebrates the inspiring legacy of service, duty, and sacrifice of Baba, who passed away at 101 years old, noting his extraordinary contributions to the Muslim Ummah, Lagos State, and beyond.
“Baba dedicated his life to the service of the people. He lived a full life guided by the highest and noblest moral codes. He was a fine example for all of us. He will be sorely missed. We should take solace in Baba’s legacy and uphold his values of honesty, dignity, and sacrifice,” the president said.
President Tinubu prays that Almighty Allah grants Baba the highest station in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
He lived a worthy life through enviable age: Senator Adebule
Senator Adebule, in her condolence message, was grateful to Almighty Allah for the worthy life Baba lived all through to an enviable age of 101 years.
She described Sheikh Abou as a thoroughbred scholar whose impact traverses beyond the shores of Nigeria.
The former Lagos State Deputy Governor said “I will personally miss him and indeed all Nigerians would miss his depth of knowledge and elderly wisdom in addressing critical matters of national concern”.
She said: “Nigeria has lost a great national treasure and icon who was an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. Baba’s humility is of high proportion as he related seamlessly with everyone irrespective of age, tribe or religious affiliations”.
“His death is a great loss to the Nigerian Muslim community in general. On behalf of the good people of Lagos West Senatorial District, I pray for the repose of his gentle soul and besiege Allah in His infinite mercies to overlook Baba’s shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus”, she said.
Adebule commiserated with the family, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu 1 of Lagos, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Council of Imams and Alfas and the entire Muslim community of Lagos State over the demise of Sheikh Abou.
Pantami mourns Sheikh Abou
Pantami, who is currently in Mauritania for the African International Conference as a keynote speaker, took time to pay condolence to Sheikh Abou, via his X, formerly known as Twitter, handle. He wrote:
“Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun!
The Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou Nolla, returned to our Almighty Creator yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences to his family & associates. May the Almighty Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus.”
Inna lil Laahi wa inna ilaiHi Raajiun!
The Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou Nolla, returned to our Almighty Creator yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences to his family & associates. May the Almighty Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus. pic.twitter.com/9xlvQGUhBB— Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim, CON (@ProfIsaPantami) January 10, 2024
Sheikh Abou’s death, a colossal loss: MURIC
In his press statement, the Executive Director, MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, described the death of Baba Adinni of Lagos as a colossal loss to the entire Muslim ummah.
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“Sheikh Abou was born in the Ita Akanni area of Lagos on 10 August 1922. He attended the Lagos Government School, Ansar-ud-deen School and Al-Azhar University, Cairo where he obtained the B. A. degree in Arabic. He spent 14 years in Cairo (1944-1958) acquiring different experiences of Islamic culture.
“He was a quintessential Islamic scholar, humble, warm and unassuming. He loved the young and old and he was so loved. He was the doyen of the Lagos Muslim Community. If he ever had any enemy in his lifetime, it must be Shaytan (Satan) himself.
“The whole life of the centinerian is an open book full of lessons for both the young and old. We charge Muslim leaders to emulate his simple way of life and piety. We pray that Almighty Allah will grant him peace until the Day of Judgement and place him in aljannah firdaus thereafter. Aamiin.”
We mourn the departure of a great scholar: MPAC Nigeria
Executive Chairman, Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC Nigeria, Mal. Disu Kamor, who relayed the news in a statement said, “It is with great sadness and grief that we received the news of the passing of Sheikh Abou, whose death has just been announced.”
“MPAC offers deep condolences on the painful loss of the eminent scholar to his honourable family and the entire Lagos State Muslim community. We mourn the departure of the great scholar and pray that Allah (SWT) have mercy on him.
“We raise our hands in prayers to the Merciful Lord that He accepts him among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, the righteous, and those are good companions. We also pray to the One and Only God to have mercy on the bereaved family of Shaykh Abou, his community, students and admirers.
“Without a doubt, this is a great loss for the Ummah and especially for the Muslims of Lagos State to whom he spent decades teaching, guiding and leading. We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return.”
Sheikh Abou: A Shining example of devoutness: TMC
The National Headquarters of The Muslim Congress (TMC) in a press release signed by its Amir, Alhaji Abdul Wasiu Bangbala described Sheikh Abou as a shining example of devoutness and knowledge, who left behind an indelible legacy of unwavering faith and steadfast commitment to the cause of Islam.
While commiserating with the Muslim Ummah, Alhaji Bangbala added that Sheikh Abou’s legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to the service of humanity and the advancement of Islamic knowledge.
“His illustrious contributions and service to both the Muslim community and the nation earned him the distinguished recognition of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), one of the most prestigious national honours. This accolade serves as proof of his outstanding impact and significant role in the spiritual and social fabric of Nigeria, reflecting the magnitude of his influence as a revered spiritual leader”, he noted.
TMC also recognised and deeply appreciated the enduring legacy of Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou, acknowledging the profound impact he has had on the spiritual and intellectual development of the Muslim community.
Sheikh Abou’s mentorship inspiration to Muslim students: MSSN Lagos
The entire Muslim students in Lagos State under the leadership of its Amir, Mallam Kamoldeen Abiona joined the entire Muslim community in grieving the departure of the illustrious scholar, who was equally a patron of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in the 1960s.
The Amir, MSSN Lagos said in a condolence message that Sheikh Abou’s teachings, mentorship, and exemplary life have been a source of inspiration for countless individuals, adding that his legacy will endure through the lives he touched.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a towering figure, a beacon of wisdom, and a guiding light for the Muslim community. Sheikh Abou’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, dedication to scholarship, and a profound commitment to serving Allah and humanity. His contributions to Islamic education, leadership, and interfaith harmony have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.
Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abd Hafeez Abou dies at 101
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. The #BabaAdinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou Nolla has returned to His Creator, #ALLAH. The renowned scholar died on Jan. 9, 2024, aged 101. May Allah grant him aljannah firdaus. pic.twitter.com/tUeSKCGMwK
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) January 10, 2024
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Sheikh Abou’s family, friends, and all those who were privileged to know him. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and shower His mercy upon his soul. May Allah also grant patience and strength to his family and loved ones to bear this profound loss,” he said.
His passing, mixed feelings of joy, sadness: Alhaja Oyefeso
The former International Ameerah of The Criterion, Association of Muslim women in professions and businesses, Alhaja Fatymah Oyefeso, in her tribute, described the passing of Sheikh Abou as a mixed feeling of sadness and joy.
According to her, sadness because we shall see him no more and all his counsels, service to humanity, boldness and words of wisdom and encouragement are all gone. A unifier has gone; an astute fountain of knowledge has left us.
“The ummah has indeed lost a rare gem. He was a father to all. Baba was always a delight to be with. He was very cerebral and all his senses were intact up till his death even at the very ripe age of 101 years. Baba was blessed, highly respected and loved by all.
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“Joy; because I have no doubt in my mind that he lived a very religious and fulfilled life. He paid his dues, he was a patriot and religious activist per excellence. Very passionate about the plights of the masses, especially Muslims in the southwest. He was always ready to assist, full of words of encouragement and wisdom.
Speaking further, Alhaja Fatymah Oyefeso, said, Baba was omo eko pataki (an important Lagos’ son). A lagosian per excellence. He was very particular about the progress of Lagosians, particularly in the Islamic fold and was a forerunner in the emancipation of Muslims in the west. Sheikh Abou was an hafidh of the Qur’an till his death. He was an astute scholar of scholars and was the Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque till his death. His, is a life worthy of emulation.”
Who was Sheikh Abou?
Born at Ita Akanni area of Lagos on 10th August 1922, Sheikh Abou started his quest for knowledge at the Lagos Government School and later the Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Alakoro. He attended the prestigious Al-Azhar University, Cairo between 1944 and 1958, where he obtained Al-Allamiyyah Certificate B.A Arabic and Islamic Studies and Licentiate in Islamic law from the faculty of Shari’ah in the Judiciary section of the University.
We dedicate our August 2022 print edition to celebrate Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, OFR, Baba Adinni of Lagos, who clocked 100 years on Wednesday. #Alhamdulilah. The excitement was palpable! Prominent Nigerians joined family & friends for the centenary celebration yesterday in Lagos pic.twitter.com/PKwCrYYxWT
— Muslim News Nigeria (@muslimnews_NG) August 11, 2022
During his stay in Egypt, Sheikh Abou wined and dined with various international organisations and attended to different prominent leaders in the likes of King Farouq of Egypt, President Jamal Abdul Nasir of Egypt, Prime Minster of Pakistan Muhammed Alli, President Nkruma of Ghana, Hurchv of the Soviet Union in different States representing the good people of Nigeria.
He had the honour of receiving and introducing visiting founding fathers Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Late Sir Sadauna of Sokoto, Late Ahmadu Bello, Late Alhaji Muhammed Ribadu – Former Minister Mines and Power and Late Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi to the government of Egypt at that time.
He also served as an Executive Member of the World Assembly of Muslim Youths from 1954 in Karachi Pakistan. He served as a delegate to many International conferences, including the first World Afro-Asian Writers Conference in Teshkand (USSR) and Pecking, in China in 1958 and the All African People’s Conference, Accra Ghana in the same year. He also served as a delegate to World Youth Festival in Moscow. Read more about him HERE
