The Lagos state Chief Imam, Garuba Akinola, has been buried according to Islamic rites, barely 24 hours after he was declared dead by medical doctors at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja.
As the 9th chief Imam, Akinola, who assumed office 17 years ago, died yesterday at about 5:15 pm after brief illness at age 79.
Remains of the chief Imam was laid to rest on Monday inside the mosque after Head of Islamic scholars in the state, Tijani Gbajabiamila, led scores of Muslims faithful that thronged the Lagos central mosque, Idumota, Lagos Island, to pray God for his forgiveness.
Apparently to honour the late cleric, some shops in the popular Idumota market were shut with some of the traders standing outside their shops to pay their last respect to the Imam.
Some of the faces at the Janazal (funeral prayers) were former Senator representing Lagos central, Muniru Muse, prominent Industrialist, Chief Razak Okoya, Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe (retd).
Also present at the funeral service were an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Tajudeen Olusi and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh Abdul-hafeez Abu, among others.
Speaking on the late Cleric, National Missioner and Chief Imam of Ansar-ul-deen, Abdulrahman Ahmad, described the deceased as a man that often preached peace in his sermon.
Ahmad noted that one exemplary qualities of the late Imam was that he often strive to ensure he brings everybody together, saying, Sheik Garba Akinola was always in forefront of promoting religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He was presented with staff of office in year 2000 at 63, after his retirement from Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPMC), where he was described as a good leader capable of managing the affairs of Islamic faithful in Lagos.
The Guild
