Arisekola dies in London at 69, Oyo declares public holiday, 7-day mourning
A businessman and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji AbdulAzeez Arisekola Alao has died at the age of 69.
His death in his private home in London has been confirmed by Oyo state Government and the family of the deceased.
As part of its mourning programme for the departed, the Oyo State government on Wednesday night announced a seven-day of mourning for the late
The declaration was contained in a statement issued by Dr Festus Adedayo, Special Adviser, Media to Oyo state Governor.
The state government also declared Friday June 20, as a public holiday for all workers in the state.
The late Deputy-General, NSCIA (South) died at the age of 69 in his house in London on Wednesday.
His burial is slated for Friday as his remains is being expected in Nigeria late Thursday or Friday morning.
Arisekola died on the day he was expected back in Nigeria, reports indicated..
Reports quoting sources as saying that the Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria did not show any sign of ill health, although he was said to have embarked on the journey on medical grounds.
“On the day he was going, he told us that he would be back on Wednesday so we were expecting him. Unfortunately, the news of his death was all we heard,” said the source who pleaded anonymity.
President-General SCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, was said to have flown to London and due to return with Arisekola's corpse for burial on Thursday.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on Wednesday sent condolence message the received with great shock and sadness, news of the death of the renowned Nigerian businessman and religious leader, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao.
His Spokesman ,Reuban Abati said on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the Arisekola-Alao family as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State on the passing away of the famed Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.
“As they mourn the famous entrepreneur, community and religious leader, President Jonathan urges his family, relatives, friends, associates and dependants to be comforted by the fact that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao lived a very fulfilled life, and in passing on, leaves behind a legacy of significant and commendable achievements.
“ The President notes that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao will always be remembered and honoured, especially for the remarkable entrepreneurial skills with which he established many successful businesses and created jobs for numerous Nigerians, as well as for his religious leadership and philanthropic gestures.
He also prayed that God Almighty will receive Alhaji Arisekola-Alao's soul and grant him eternal rest