While the people were preparing to celebrate the 2021 Christmas, a mighty hero of lkorodu, Dr. (Alhaji) Tajudeen Olukayode Bawa-Allah, passed away.
The frontline community leader died on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the age of 82, at a private hospital on the island, after brief illness and was buried the same day, according to Muslim rites, at the Ikoyi Vault.
Late Bawa–Allah was the Mogaji of Ikorodu Kingdom and Chairman, Ikorodu Development Forum and he was a man of many parts.
The deceased, who has been described as a repository of knowledge, lived a quiet but fulfilled life, contributing to the development of lkorodu, Lagos State and Nigeria at large and humanity in general, in various capacities.
He was an author, a member of several notable social clubs in lkorodu and Lagos and an outstanding academic with several awards and accolades to his credit.
As a respected community leader, he was the Mogaji of lkorodu and as a devout Muslim, he was the Mogaji of lkorodu Central Mosque and Baba Adeen of Aga Mosque.
His last public appearance was at the grand finale of the 2021 Ikorodu-Oga Day Carnival where he was honoured with the IKODASS Lifetime Achievement award.
On Saturday, December 25, 2021, a modest eighth day Fidau prayer was held for the late scholar at his Solomade residence in lkorodu on Saturday, December 25, with the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Sheikh Sefiudeen Ademoritan Olowo-Oribi and Chief Imam of Oriwu Central Mosque, Sheikh Yahya Oshoala (As-Samadaani), leading the prayer session.
Many dignitaries and residents also joined the Bawa – Allah family for the prayer session and the social engagement held thereafter.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Lagos State University School of Transportation which the deceased fought for its establishment as well as members of the Senate and top officers of the institution.
More so, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of lkorodu, and several other Obas in and outside lkorodu sent in representatives to pay their respects to the late distinguished scholar.
After the prayer session, Oriwu Sun spoke with some of the deceased children and notable personalities who all spoke glitteringly about him.
The academic representatives from the Lagos State University said that they held Dr. Bawa-Allah in high esteem for the numerous contributions and projects he had facilitated in the university.
Professor Adebayo Ninalowo, a former President of Oriwu Club, lkorodu, said that the deceased will be well remembered for his immense impacts both in the academic setting and lkorodu community and urged his children to get involved in community affairs like their late father.
The first daughter of the late scholar, Mrs. Opeyemi Oloyede, a Medical Laboratory Scientist, described her father as selfless and down to earth man who loved people to a fault and added that it will be difficult for anybody to fill his role.
Another daughter, Dr. Kafilat Adebola, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, described him as friend, confidant and her first contact whenever she needs guidance.