Osun: Adeleke, APC Nat’l Secretary mourn passing of Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Banni Afonta
…Describe his death as huge loss to Muslim Ummah in Osun, world
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described as shocking and sad the exit from this world of prominent Muslim preacher, Sheikh Banni Abdulwahab Afonta.
The popular Osogbo based Islamic cleric died on Saturday and was buried on Sunday at his house around Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State.
Governor Adeleke in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described the death of Sheikh Banni as a huge loss for the Muslim community and for Osun state in particular.
The statement read, “I received with shock and sadness the death of the popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Banni Abdulwahab. As faithfuls, we accept the judgment of our creator. We beseech Him to grant the scholar al-Jannah Firdaus,
“This, indeed, is sad news. The death of Sheikh Banni Abdulwahab is a huge loss for the Muslim community and for Osun state in particular. He was known for his vast knowledge and great efforts in the propagation of Islamic message and virtues of our beloved prophet of Allah in the simplest form possible for his audience.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the Muslims community and the families of the late Sheikh and It is our prayer that Allah will grant comfort to all the bereaved families,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), also described his death as a huge loss to the Muslim Ummah in Osogbo, Osun State, and the Muslim World.
Senator Basiru stated this in a statement over the demise of the Imam.
Senator Basiru who was a student of the Islamic teacher and cleric said he received the news of the passage of Sheikh Afonta with utmost shock since information has it that Sheikh was hale and hearty, attending Islamic programmes till death came calling.
“I cut my teeth in Arabic and Islamic studies from Sheikh Afonta. My father who wanted me to be versed in Islamic knowledge took me to Sheikh for tutelage.
“Sheikh Banni Afonta was an Islamic scholar with a difference. He was as ascetic as humble, dedicated to the ideals of the Sufi order, and committed to teaching and preaching of Islam.”
Senator Ajibola Basiru said he had no choice but to accept the will of Allaah over the death of his Sheikh who was dear to him.
“Sheikh Banni Afonta was a respected and respectable Islamic cleric who commanded the respect of other clerics. He lay low but lived high in the heart of his students and numerous admirers.
“I pray Allah to overlook his shortcomings and admit him to Al Jannah Firdaus.”
The late Sheikh Abdul Wahab Banni Afonta, a native of Ilorin, Kwara State, made Osogbo his base and contributed largely to the growth of Islam in Osun and beyond.
