International Shia News Agency

Nigeria Muslims Mourn Chief Imam of Yorubaland

SHAFAQNA – Leading Nigerian Muslim scholar Sheikh Baosari Suara Haruna III, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland passed away on Thursday, April 9, bringing a shock to the Muslim community.

“The death of our father, Sheikh Busari Suara Haruna III came to me as a rude shock. He will forever be remembered as a religious leader who used his position to better the lots of Islamic faithful and the society,” Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State was quoted by The Nation Online.

“The late Chief Imam was a pillar of support to our government. His wise counsels all the time were of tremendous help in the achievements so far recorded by our administration.

“He will forever be remembered for his fatherly role,” he added.

Sheikh Haruna, the President General, League of Imams and Alfas in South West states, was pronounced dead early on Thursday after brief illness at the age of 93.

He would be buried Thursday in Ibadan, in line with Islamic tradition, Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria President Abdur-Rahman Balogun said.

In an obituary statement, governor Ajimobi said the death of the Chief Imam was very unfortunate and disheartening.

He described Sheikh Haruna as a religious leader who used his position to ensure cohesion among the Islamic faithful, not only in Ibadanland but also in the entire South-West zone of the country.

Governor Ajimobi also praised the late Chief Imam for his commitment to the peaceful co-existence of the Muslims with the adherents of other religions in Ibadan in particular and Oyo State in general.

The Sheikh, who was one of Nigeria’s most respected Islamic scholars, was born in Lagbeni compound, Ibadan.

He was married to three wives and survived by many children.

Leave a Comment