Imam Orunsolu was an exceptional and accommodating leader – Professor Balogun

The remains of the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Liadi Orunsolu have been buried with a call on the faithful to live an exemplary life worthy of emulation.

An Islamic scholar, Professor Kamaldeen Balogun who made the call in a sermon at the Isale Igbehin residence of the late Chief Imam described the late Chief Imam of Egbaland as an exceptional leader who accommodated all, regardless of age or status.

In a message, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state said the late chief imam lived a worthy and highly commendable life.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor advised Muslims in the state to immortalize the religious leader by embracing the virtues of love, peace and good neighbourliness.

Former governor of the state, Ibikunle Amosun who described the death of Alhaji Orunsolu as painful, noted that Egbaland, and Ogun State had lost a respected religious leader and a renowned Islamic scholar. 

Senator Amosun pointed out that Alhaji Orunsolu maintained effective leadership as the Chief Imam of Egbaland and President of League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and equally provided wise counsel to Muslims in the entire Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States. 

Speaking on the life and times of the deceased, one of his children, Alhaji Afiz Orunsolu said his late father championed the course of promoting peace, irrespective of religious or tribal differences.

The late Chief Imam who died in the wee hours of Tuesday at age 98 had served in that capacity for 17 years after succeeding the late Imam Shittu Bello Okeoro in 2003.

Olusegun Folarin