Senator Ashafa mourns cleric who lived 'exemplary life'

Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, has expressed his sadness at the passing of

In a press statement signed by the lawmaker's Senior Legislative Aide, Temitope Atiba, he said the late cleric was a great role model to a lot of Nigerians and that his sermons will create a lasting legacy.

The statement read, "The Late Sheikh was a good man who lived an exemplary life in service of Almighty Allah and our dear Lagos State.

"He was not only a religious leader but also a spiritual father and role model to many Nigerians. His courageous sermons which revealed an in-depth knowledge of Islam would remain a lasting legacy for generations to come.

"I enjoyed the benefit of having a relationship with him since the period I served at the Lands bureau Lagos State where his constant prayers and wise counsel until the time of his death remained a source of support and encouragement to me.

"Considering the positive impact he has made in many lives, I am confident to state that his death is not just a loss to the people of Lagos State but to the Muslim Umah as a whole and as such he would be dearly missed.

"While my heart and prayers remain with his family members at this time of grief, it is my prayer that Almighty Allah grant the gentle soul Aljannah Firdaus. Amin."

The cleric, who was inaugurated as the 9th Chief Imam of Lagos in 2000, died aged 79.