Babalakin’s death, great loss to Muslim communities, says MAN

Muslim Association of Nigeria (MAN), has described the death of Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin (JSC,rtd),CON, who passed on December 4, 2021, as a great loss to the Muslim community, the state and the country in general.

Babalakin

In a condolence message signed by the President and Publicity Secretary of the association, Alhaji Tajudeen Ojikutu and Hon Mudirakat Ajibona, said the late Babalakin is a real gem and would be sorely missed and remembered for his bold and courageous efforts on the part of the deen.

“He was a devout Muslim; humanist and bridge builder and would be remembered for his fairness, boldness to the group. Bola Babalakin joined like-minded people in founding MAN 62 years ago. He was a branch Chairman and a Trustee of the Association before his death.”
Ojikutu urged the family to take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life and contributed immensely to the growth of Islam until his demise.

Professor of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju, in his condolence message also described the late Babalakin as a peacemaker and time conscious person.

“In the late 90s, while working on my PhD thesis, I needed to use the Babalakin Panel Report on the 1983 Nigerian general elections. I was late for my appointment with Justice Babalakin by ten minutes. He waited for me but told me off saying, ‘You are not my friend’ though I tried to justify my lateness. He gave the report to me but that taught me a lesson in timeliness.

“In 2006, a misunderstanding led to the resignation of the branch chairman of an association of which I was the deputy. I travelled to Gbongan to plead for Justice Babalakin’s intervention. He was 80 years old then, he came to Ibadan without hesitation. Justice Babalakin ensured that the incident didn’t cause any major discord and disaffection among members.
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Today, I remember the great peacemaker with fondness.”

He added that Babalakin’s alertness and accuracy in recalling events are fascinating.

“He would always call me to express appreciation for deeds I regarded as insignificant, this from someone for whom I could never do enough considering all he had been to me and done for me. We pray that Allah be pleased with the soul of Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin,” he prayed.