Kwara: Tears as Prominent Islamic Cleric Sheikh Ariyibi Dies, "Saddened"

• Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, governor of Kwara, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Hamzat Ariyibi
• Governor Abdulrazaq described Ariyibi's death as a painful loss to the Muslim community and Kwara state
• The Kwara No.1 citizen noted that Sheikh Ariyibi was a steadfast religious leader whose wisdom contributed to the growth and stability of the state

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria.

Ilorin, Kwara state - Popular Ilorin-based cleric, Sheikh Hamzat Yusuf Abdulraheem Ariyibi, is dead.

Legit.ng reports that the late Ariyibi is the proprietor of Imam Hamzat College of Education, Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, Kwara state. He died on Friday, September 12.

Sheikh Hamzat Ariyibi's death

In a statement on Saturday, September 13, shared on its official Facebook page, the Kwara state government mourned Sheikh Ariyibi's death.

The statement, signed by Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, reads:

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"Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is saddened by the death of prominent Ilorin Muslim scholar and preacher Sheikh Hamzah Ariyibi.

"The governor sends his prayers and commiserations to the family, students, and admirers of the late spiritual leader. He urges the Muslim community to be comforted by the legacy of good deeds and years of hard work and evangelism in the path of Islamic monotheism that Sheikh Hamzah left behind.

"Governor AbdulRazaq asks Allaah to ease the accounts and grant Sheikh Hamzah Ariyibi Al-jannah Firdaus, while upholding his family upon goodness."

In the same vein, Sheikh Abdul Wasiu Atayese, popularly known as Jaqmal, wrote on his organisation, Jaqmal Muslim Society of Nigeria's Facebook page:

"With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father Sheikh Hamzat Abdulraheem Ariyibi imam Ayegbami. May almighty Allah accept his return and please with him."

Similarly, the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), under the auspices of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed grief over the passing of Sheikh Ariyibi.

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In a condolence message signed by Alhaji Muhammad Uthman Jagunmo, the IEYDA national president, the association described the late Sheikh Ariyibi as "a distinguished scholar, educationist, and community leader whose contributions to human capital development will be fondly remembered".

IEYDA extended its "heartfelt sympathy" to the family of the deceased, the academic community, and the entire Ilorin Emirate, while praying to God to grant Sheikh Ariyibi eternal rest and reward his good deeds with paradise.

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Protest in Kwara state

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that community leaders and youths in Isin local government area (LGA) of Kwara state staged a protest.

The demonstrators blocked Ilorin–Omu-Aran–Kabba Highway, expressing their strong displeasure with the 'rising banditry and kidnappings'.

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The aggrieved residents who mounted barricades chanted solidarity songs. Their placards displayed inscriptions such as 'Enough is Enough', 'We Demand Government Urgent Intervention', 'Stop Kidnapping Our People', and 'We Are Tired of Paying Ransom Without Results'.

Source: Legit.ng