Buhari Condoles With Family, Osun State
Remains of Justice Bolarinwa Oyegoke Babalakin, a retired judge of the Supreme Court, who died at 94, was laid to rest at his country home in Gbongan, Ayedade Local Council of Osun at about 4.45 pm, yesterday.
The body of the retired justice, who died in Lagos, was conveyed to his hometown for final burial. The Chief Imam of Osogboland, Alhaji Musa Animashaun, represented by the Mufasir of Osogbo, Alhaji Ishola Olawale, led other Imams and Alfas in Osun State to conduct the burial rite.
In his sermon, Mufasir of Gbongan, Alhaji Moshud Akanbi, said the late justice led an exemplary life worthy of emulation by all, urging each to live a life that is worthy of emulation. He added that everyone should always remember that the life lived on earth is what they will be remembered for.
The late justice, who was called to the London Bar in the late 1950s, was an active member of the Muslim Association Of Nigeria, Ansarudeen Society and former president of the Muslim Ummah of South West (MUSWEN).
He is survived by many children and grandchildren, including Dr Abdurauf Bolanle Babalakin (SAN) and a celebrated architect, Tayo Babalakin (FNIA FNIQS).
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family. In a condolence message by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari, equally commiserated with the government and people of Osun State on the loss of the eminent jurist.
He noted that late Babalakin rose to the pinnacle of his profession as a judge of the highest court in the land, becoming one of the final authorities in legal issues in the country, thereby greatly enriching the nation’s jurisprudence.
The president noted that the late Justice Babalakin, long after his retirement, continued to give wise counsel to the Muslim community, especially the Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN) where he was a former president.
Praying for Babalakin, his children and members of the family for the fortitude to bear the loss, he urged them to take consolation in the fact that the deceased lived to a ripe old age, left behind a good name.
Buhari prayed that almighty Allah would reward his good deeds with Aljannah.
Also, Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has mourned Babalakin’s passing.
He condoled his family, especially Dr. Wale Babalakin, SAN, and the entire Muslim Ummah in Gbongan and the State at large.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, the Governor said the former Supreme Court Judge lived a pious, worthy and exemplary life that was devoted to the service of Allah and humanity.
He added that Pa Babalakin would be greatly missed.
Oyetola said: “Death, as we all know is inevitable. But we are always pained by the death of our loved ones. The late Pa Bolarinwa’s death is a huge loss to the State.
“He lived a pious, fulfilled and exemplary life that was devoted to the service of Allah and humanity. Baba was peace loving. I pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Aljanah Firdaus.”
