It is with a heavy heart but in total
submission to the will of Almighty Allah that I received the news of the
passage of the Chief Imam of Lagos State, late Sheikh Garuba Ibrahim Akinola
who passed away on Sunday, the 24th of September, 2017 at the
age of 79.

The Late Sheikh was a good man who lived an
exemplary life in service of Almighty Allah and our dear Lagos State. He was
not only a religious leader but also a spiritual father and role model to many
Nigerians. His courageous sermons which revealed an in-depth knowledge of Islam
would remain a lasting legacy for generations to come. 
I enjoyed the benefit of having a
relationship with him since the period I served at the Lands bureau Lagos State
where his constant prayers and wise counsel until the time of his death
remained a source of support and encouragement to me.
Considering the positive impact he has made
in many lives, I am confident to state that his death is not just a loss to the
people of Lagos State but to the Muslim Umah as a whole and as such he would be
dearly missed.
While my heart and prayers remain with his
family members at this time of grief, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grant
the gentle soul Aljannah Firdaus. Amin.