Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has mourned the death of Sheikh Sikirulai Babalola, President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State and Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland. The governor spoke during the burial ceremony held on Sunday at Igan Alalade in Yewa North Local Government Area. Sheikh Babalola died on Saturday at the age of 98.
Abiodun described the late cleric as a devoted Muslim and respected Islamic scholar who attained the highest level of leadership among Muslim clerics in the state. He noted that Sheikh Babalola served in dual prominent roles, as both Grand Chief Imam of Yewaland and President of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, making him one of the most influential Islamic figures in the region.
The governor praised the cleric as a man of integrity, generosity and faith, who built lasting legacies through service to humanity and the Muslim community. "I cannot find better words to describe him other than that he was a man of God and a good man," Abiodun said. He added that the state, known for religious harmony, had lost a foremost spiritual leader and offered prayers for the deceased to receive eternal rest.
Minister of State for Health Iziaq Kunle Salako, who also spoke at the event, described Sheikh Babalola as an upright man who defended the interests of Yewaland and supported the younger generation. "His death, though coming at a ripe old age, is still a huge loss to us. We will greatly miss him, and we pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljanah Firdaus," Salako said.
Dr. Raji Akano, Head of the Department of Arabic Studies at the Federal College of Education Abeokuta, delivered a brief lecture urging the living to lead impactful lives. He said the late Chief Imam had completed his earthly assignment and returned to his Creator, calling on people to remain conscious of the hereafter.
Abiodun calls Sheikh Babalola a unifying spiritual leader while the state remains divided over land and chieftaincy disputes involving religious communities. The cleric's death at 98 leaves a void in a region where religious figures are often called to mediate tensions the government fails to resolve. His dual role as Grand Chief Imam and head of the League of Imams suggests concentrated religious authority, yet no successor has been named. Without a clear transition, the stability he symbolised may not outlive him.
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