TWENTY THREE YEARS REMEMBRANCE OF MY LATE FATHER AND MENTOR, SHAIKH ALHAJI MUSA ADELEKE AHMED (IMAM-IMALE); YOUR LEGACY WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE FOREVER WITH US; BY; COMRADE LUKMAN OLUKAYODE AHMED.

TWENTY THREE YEARS REMEMBRANCE OF MY LATE FATHER AND MENTOR, SHAIKH ALHAJI MUSA ADELEKE AHMED (IMAM-IMALE); YOUR LEGACY WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE FOREVER WITH US;

BY; COMRADE LUKMAN OLUKAYODE AHMED.

Today, 21st of August, 2021, marked the Twenty Three years remembrance of a great man, a great father,

 great grandfather, a tutor, a disciplinarian, a philanthropist, a jurist, 

a mentor, late Shaikh Alhaji Musa Adeleke Ayinde Mosobalaje Ahmed (Imam-Imale) Al-Adabiyyi left this sinful World.

Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed Al-Adabiyyi, Al- Malawiyyi was born to the family of Shaikh Nuhu Ahmed of Imam-Imale compound, Masingba , Okekere area in Ilorin and Hajia Asmau Andul-Baqi of Ubandawaki Compound in Pakata area of Ilorin in 3rd of February, 1939 in Ilorin. 

Hence, he is a progeny of Shaikh Yusuf, who migrated to Ilorin from the Republic of Mali. Before the death of his father in the late 1940s, he was said to be the favorite child of his father according to authentic sources most probably due to the conspicuous traces of piety , humility, truthfulness, and selfless hardworking inherent in him right from childhood; hence, he was nicknamed at the point of his father's death "Al- Muhazham".

Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed was brought up in his place of birth-ilorin as well as in Ebute-Meta, Lagos State.

He started his Islamic Education while late Shaikh Alhaji Imam Muhammad Busari 'Ali-Agan with whom he spent close to 5 years.

After the death of his father, he was taken to Lagos to further his Islamic Education with late Shaikh Al-Imam Abubakar Siddeeq Kadara in Kadara Street, Oyingbo Area, Ebute-Meta, Lagos State. 

He learnt the basic rudiments of Islamic/ Qur'anic Education, Arabic Language and Spiritual Ethics from both teachers. With the inciting melodious tone of the recitation of the Glorious Qur'an employed by Late Shaikh (Dr) Muhammad Kamaalud- Deen Al-Adabiyyi, and particularly one of his students-Late Shaikh 'Ali Olukade during the former's public preaching in Dadi -Alaja, Lagos State, Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ahmed got captivated and could not but always sneak out of the custody of Late Shaikh Al-Imam Abubakar Siddeeq Kadara to listen to and benefit from the preaching of Late Shaikh (Dr) Muhammad Kamaalud-Deen Al-Adabiyyi.

This led to his request to enrol with Late Shaikh (Dr) Muhammad Kamalud-Deen Al-Adabiyyi to further his Islamic Education Islamic Education in 1957 following his former Shaikh's return from Hajj and visitation to Ilorin in 1956/1957.

He was challenged by the comparative interpretation of Arabic with English Language that he had little/no knowledge of by Late Shaikh (Dr) Muhammad Kamaalud-Deen Al-Adabiyyi, which compelled him to formally register in Ansarul -Islam Primary School, Oke-Imale, Ilorin, then under the auspices of Shaikh Labaika Bello.

Being a very inquisitive and studious student, he spent just 3 years (1958-1960) Instead of 7 years he is meant to spend in Primary School, getting promoted to the next class every term , except for the last year -Primary 7, where he spent a full year, and graduated with the 1st Position. Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed proceeded to Government Higher Teachers's Training College, Ilorin, which was later renamed as Ilorin Teachers' College (ITC) , Ilorin and now Shaikh AbdulQadir College , Ilorin for his Secondary Education, where he spent 5 years (1961-1965).

After obtaining his Grade II Teachers' Certificate, Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed was appointed the Headmaster, Ansarul-Islam Primary School, Oke-Aluko, Ilorin shortly from January to October, 1966. Because of his intelligent and commitment , Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed gained admission into Abdullah Bayero College (ABC), Kano which was the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies under Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria then, from where he graduated with a Second Class , Upper Division in 1970 with a B.A (Comb. Hons.) in Islamic Studies/History. 

After his First Degree, on June, 12th, 1971, Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed got married to former Miss Baseerat Titilayo Abiola now Alhaja Baseerat Titilayo Ahmed , a native of Otta , Ogun State and the daughter of a renowned Islamic Cleric in Ogun State. Her father , Late Shaikh Alhaji AbdulAzeez Abiola was the former National President Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jamm'at till his death around 1987.

Equallyon June, 12th, 1981, Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed got married to his second and last wife, former Miss Mulkah Adebisi Bello now Dr (Alhaja) Mulkah Adebisi Ahmed , a native of Ilorin , Kwara State and the daughter of a renowned Islamic Cleric in Lagos State and Ilorin - Late Shaikh Ali Olukade , a Prominent early - time Disciple of his teacher - Late Shaikh (Dr) Muhammad Kamaalud-Deen Al-Adabiyyi. 

Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed continued his teaching career and was appointed ,Head of Department of History/Islamic Studies and Arabic Language in a few number of Secondary Schools- Queen Elizabeth School (QES) , Ilorin, Government Secondary School (GSS), Ilorin and AbdulAzeez Atta Memorial College (AAMC) , Okene , respectively between 1973-1975.

Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed with a keen predilection for the acquisition of knowledge also proceeded to the Postgraduate School, University of Ibadan in 1973 from where he obtained the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in 1974.

Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed further advanced his teaching career to becoming a Foundation Lecturer (Lecturer II) of the Arabic and Islamic Studies, Department of the College of Education, Ilorin after it had become autonomous in 1975, which was formerly a School under the Kwara State College of Technology, Ilorin amongst other Schools like School of Basic Studies (SBS), School of Management and Vocation, School of Technology, School of Mines and Power, etc.

Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed became the Head of Department of Islamic Studies, Advanced Teachers' College, Oro-Ilorin (later called College of Education, Ilorin) from October, 1976 to August, 1985 .

He also became a Senior Lecturer as from 1st, October, 1978 and later Principal Lecturer from 1st, October, 1981, the periods within which he orged ahead with his Postgraduate Studies at McGill University, Montreal , Canada , North America in 1978 where he obtained his M.A Degree in Islamic Studies with a high grade in 1980 and was also awarded a Research Grant of 15,000.00 Canadian Dollars by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research , in recognition of his academic excellence. 

It is imperative to note that he came out being the best Student in his Class. In recognition of his hardwork, he was appointed the Dean, School of Arts, College of Education, Ilorin from 1981 to 1985, the position he held simultaneously with the HOD, Islamic Studies.

Due to his hardwork and wide exposure, he was appointed the Deputy Provost of the College in August, 1985 from where he rose to become the Ag. Provost in December, 1986, a post he simultaneously held with that of the Deputy Provost till April , 1988 due to his scrupulous and laudable service as the Deputy Provost, according to the then Governing Council Chairman - Chief (Mrs) M.O Olagunju. 

Upon the appointment of the substantive Provost for the College, Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed remained the Deputy Provost from May, 1988 to April, 1991.

In April, 1991, he was re-elected the Head of Department of Islamic Studies, a position he held till he was appointed the Provost, College of Education, Oro in October, 1992 by the then Executive Governor of Kwara State - Alhaji Mumanmad Sha'aba Lafiagi . 

Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed, at the expiration of his tenure as the Provost , College of Education, Oro in October, 1996 returned to College of Education, Ilorin as a Chief Lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies, the position he held till his Lord called him back on a Friday evening at about 5:45p.m. on 21st, August, 1998 after a brief illness.

Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed Imam-Imale was laid to rest after funeral prayers and rituals in the Morning hours of 22nd August, 1998 in his family house at Imam-Imale Compound, Masingba, Okekere Area, Ilorin.

To the glory of Almighty Allah (SWT) , Late Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ayinde Ahmed Imam-Imale attained the peak in both Western and Islamic careers. 

He was a Pious Muslim, a Qur'anic Reciter per excellence, an Islamic Scholar, a Professional Teacher, a Prolific Writer and Author, a Knowledgeable Ascetic Mystic (Sufih , Muqaddam) , a Reputable Educationist, a Distinguished Jihadist , a Seasoned Administrator, a Symbol of Humility, an Embodiment of Virtues, a Responsible Husband and a Caring Father.

His commitment to hardwork earned him membership to various Educational and Religious Committees /Associations in the different capacities, some of which include:

√. Sub-Committee Member planning Workshop on the Teaching of Religions in Schools, Colleges of Education and Other Higher Institutions.

√. Resource Person to the Nigeria Association for the Study of Religions (NASR) since 1981.

√. Chairman , Committee on Examination Malpractices , appointed by Kwara State Ministry of Education, Ilorin in August, 1982.

√. Resource Person , Seminar/ Refresher Course for Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Kwara State in August , 1982.

√. Member, Writers' Workshop on Islamic Religious Education Curriculum Development Project for Primary , Junior Secondary and Teacher Education levels, for Nigerian Education Research Council (NERC), now Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC). Lagos State, since 1982.

√. Member and Kwara State Chairman (1987-1989), Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) , since 1970.

√. A staunch Member of Ansarul-Islam Society of Nigeria.

In conclusion, he lived a friendly and peaceful life with all he came across with, he was never envious and was always contended with the provisions of his Creator, which made both Muslims and Non-Muslims make good comments about him ,some of which are:

√. "Mallam Musa Adeleke Ahmed is definitely one of the most conscientious and dedicated staffs of this College. His major concern has always been the progress of the College and the happiness of his Students. His Humility, Objectivity and loyalty are beyond approach. 

He is a Symbol of Discipline himself. He is a great Asset to the College".

 - Dr Toyin Akanbi ( Former Provost College of Education, Ilorin)

√. ... " I have known him for Twelve years as one's Academic Colleague.... During my interaction with him , I discovered in him some sterling qualities of honesty, patience, intellectual and leadership capabilities. During my interaction with him in Nigeria and Abroad , I have always discovered a solid man in him ..... It is remarkable that the period during which he acted as Provost of the College of Education , Ilorin for Two academic sessions (1986- 1988), there was no record of crisis both from the Students and the Staffs . Alhaji Musa Adeleke Ahmed with his transparent honesty , patience and excellence human relation crowned with the fear of and obedience to Almighty God can always handle situations to avoid crisis". - 

Professor R.D Abubakre (University of Ilorin)  

√. " I have found Alhaji Musa Adeleke Ahmed to be humble , peace-loving and dedicated. 

As Head of Department of Islamic Studies , the position he reverted to after his second term as the Deputy Provost , he was quite effective , Academically ,he is sound and outstanding. He has never been found wanting in the discharge of Academic and Administrative responsibilities". 

- Dr. J.Y. Bello (Former Provost College of Education Ilorin)

His genuine concern for his people , particularly their wellbeing and finance freedom can't be forgotten.

We shall always remember you for your love, kindness and generosity to your people when you are alive.

Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ahmed was an Icon and hero that touches human lives in many ways both within and outside the Country.

"My late Father was a great man worthy to emulate , he was exemplary leadership demostrated uncommon vision which serves as a pathway for me me and many people alike.

"Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ahmed, Your legacy will continue to live FOREVER with Us".

His genuine concern for his people , particularly their wellbeing and finance freedom can't be forgotten.

My late Father was an epitome of peace and humility, he was a man who is very passionate about the welfarism of his people both near and far.

Shaikh Musa Adeleke Ahmed we salute your courage , wisdom, selflessness , dedication, visionary leadership style which has contributed meaningful development in Ilorin Emirates, Kwara State and Nigeria in particular during your life time on Earth.

We shall always remember you for your love, kindness and generosity to your people when you are alive.

We pray that Almighty Allah will forgive all your shortcomings and grant you the highest Paradise "Al-Jannatul Fir'daus".

Aamin thumma Aamin.

Signed;

Comrade Lukman Olukayode Ahmed (Imam-Imale)

National Coordinator

Freedom Network Group

21st, August , 2021