From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos
President Goodluck Jonathan and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, yesterday mourned the death of the Aare Muslimi of Yorubaland, Chief Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, who died earlier in the day at a hospital in London after long battle with colon cancer. He died at the age of 69.
His body is expected to arrive Nigeria for burial today (Thursday), according to Islamic rites.
Born on 14th of February, 1945, Arisekola-Alao started out as a trader in his youth and grew into a businessman with investments in real estate, auto sales, news media, and flourmills.
In 1980, he was named by Islamic clerics as the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, making him one of the most notable Islamic figures in the region.
In separate tributes to the deceased yesterday, both President Jonathan and former VP Atiku, reckoned with his astuteness in business, as well as sense of patriotism.
