The son of the late Babalaje of Edeland, Alhaji Muftau Kolapo Lawal, and a prominent Islamic cleric have urged Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, to embrace honesty, kindness and philanthropy as the family and community leaders paid their final respects to the deceased in Ede, Osun State.
The late Babalaje, a prominent businessman and community figure, died at the age of 105. His final burial ceremony was held in Ede on Saturday, attracting family members, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business executives and other prominent personalities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lawal urged young Nigerians to uphold the values of integrity, justice and generosity, which he said defined his father’s life.
“Let us refrain from doing evil and embrace goodness, just as my late father did throughout his lifetime.
“I encourage the younger generation of today to cultivate the habit of doing good, as it will positively shape our future.
“My father loved goodness and was a man who always showed kindness to others. He hated injustice and cherished truth and honesty.
“May we, his children, continue to uphold these good virtues and always do what is right,” he said.
Also speaking, Islamic cleric Sheikh Abdullahi Akanni Olorunlomerue described the deceased as a generous individual whose contributions to religious and community development left a lasting impression on the people of Ede.
He said the late Babalaje promoted unity and supported the growth of Islam in the community, adding that he was the first major donor to the Ede Central Mosque.
“We have lost a good man, a man who used his wealth, kindness and exemplary character to unite the people,” the cleric said.
He urged Nigerians to make generosity and support for the less privileged part of their daily lives.
“I urge everyone, particularly the younger generation, to emulate his good deeds by giving to the less privileged because life is ephemeral,” he added.
The deceased’s first wife, Oyeladun Lawal, described him as a caring husband who treated his four wives equally and provided for his family.
“Our husband was a good man who loved the four of us equally. We never lacked anything, as he took good care of his wives and children.
“He was a loving and caring husband and father. We will greatly miss him,” she said.
His granddaughter, Rukayat Lawal, also remembered him as a supportive family figure who extended kindness to his children, grandchildren and people around him.
“Baba was a good man who cared deeply for his children, grandchildren and everyone around him. He was loving, kind and supportive, and I will greatly miss him,” she said.
In a tribute issued before the burial, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the late Babalaje as a respected businessman and a major contributor to community development.
The governor said the deceased represented an important part of Yoruba commercial history, describing him as “more than a successful businessman” and “a pillar of community development”.
“Chief Lawal was more than a successful businessman; he was a statesman of commerce, a pillar of community development, and a living archive of twentieth-century Yoruba enterprise,” Adeleke said.
The governor also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul, asking Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
The burial ceremony was attended by the Timi of Ede, traditional and community leaders, business executives, family members and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the life and legacy of the late Babalaje.
