Nigerians have been advised to emulate the late philanthropist, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao’s humility, kindness and charity lifestyle alongside fear of God, and a book, titled ‘Arisekola in our minds’, was launched at the event to immortalise him.

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, while speaking at the event last Saturday, said: “Aare ruled Yorubaland with godliness. He was an era when he wasn’t even a chief, a father with love and fear of God.

 “Arisekola was not rich by birth, but worked to become what he was in accordance with humility. He was exemplified and epitomised. We are not here because of his children, but for who Aare was.”

The governor promised to give, harping that he can’t be like Aare. “The rich should give to the less privileged, but not too much,” he said.     

The Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Dawud Noibi, in his tribute, said, “A very large number of people were hooked unto Aare until his death and despite his philanthropy and generosity, he was very humble. It is very difficult to find all these qualities in just one person.

 “When we had a crisis in one of the churches under my control, Aare caused the church that been closed for three years to be reopened,” Dr Olapade Agoro, a politician and church leader, said.

However, the Chief Imam of Government House, Dr Adulwaheed Ahmad Rufai, during his sermon, urged the children of the deceased to live in unity in order to sustain the goodwill and the name their father laid.

Present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Adebayo Adelabu;  Olubu of Ilobuland, Asiru Olatope Olaniyan; Laminisa1, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal; Akoja of Oshogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Lanipekun; Baale Tara representing Soun of Ogbomosholand, Alhaji Kilani Oyedeji Akinpelu; Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, among others.   

 Mrs Khadijat Asunke Alao, Aare’s daughter, speaking on behalf of others, appreciated the support of the luminaries and others at the event and prayed for unity amidst the siblings.