The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the family of the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao to eschew rancour and live in unity.
Obasanjo gave the advice on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arisekola-Alao, 69, an Ibadan based business mogul died in the United Kingdom on June 18.
“When the news of his death broke in Ibadan, I was around but I could not believe it because I spoke with him four days before he travelled to the United Kingdom,’’ the former president said.
He urged Nigerians to emulate the philanthropic nature of the late Arisekola-Alao for the development of mankind.
Obasanjo, who signed the condolence register, said that the life of the late philanthropist was a lesson for all to live by.
He said: “What shall we be remembered for after we are dead. What will we leave after us?
“He was a humble man, he was a man of many parts, he was a community leader, he was a state a national leader.”
“He appreciated what God had given to him both in material terms and knowledge and used it for the benefit mankind.”
Obasanjo prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and protect those he left behind.
Responding on behalf of the family, Mr Isah Alao, a son of the deceased, thanked the former president for his visit.
“It is God that gives and takes; it is difficult for any father to lose his child and our father was one of your sons.
“I know the pain you will be going through, but God knows best,” he said
NAN reports that Obasanjo was accompanied on the visit by Chief Lateef Gbadamosi, a Commissioner in the National Population Commission and former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo.
Also at the residence to pay condolence to the family was Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamayi, a former Chief of Army Staff.
In his condolence message, Bamayi wrote: “I have lost a dear friend, brother and a confidant.
“Aare you were too good to me and my family. May Allah grant you eternal rest; May Allah bless whatever you left behind.” [NAN]
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