President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Sheikh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah Iwo, the President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria and a revered Islamic scholar, who died on Monday at the age of 81.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Sheikh Hadiyyatullah as “a respected Islamic scholar who devoted most of his life to Islam and humanity.”
The late cleric was also the founder and director of the Sheikh Ibn Baz Shariah College of Nigeria, based in Iwo, Osun State, where he will be laid to rest today following Janazah prayers.
“Sheikh Hadiyyatullah provided uncommon leadership and direction to the Council. As a cleric, he lived by the way of Allah and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As a human being, he lived an impactful life, touching many lives through his Shariah College”, President Tinubu said.
President Tinubu fondly recalled the significant support he received from the Supreme Council for Shariah during the 2023 general elections, highlighting its stance for truth and justice under the guidance of Sheikh Hadiyyatullah.
He commended the Council for rejecting “lies and propaganda” and playing a principled role during a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The President extended his condolences to Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s family, the people of Iwoland, and the wider Islamic Ummah in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the cleric’s legacy of humility, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to the faith.
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“Nigerian Muslims will sorely miss Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s humility, deep knowledge, and devotion to Islam,” Tinubu said, adding that his exemplary life should inspire continued efforts towards religious tolerance, unity, justice, peace, and harmony.
President Tinubu prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) to forgive the late Sheikh, show him mercy, and grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
He also prayed for comfort and strength for the bereaved family and the wider religious community.
“Sheikh Hadiyyatullah’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the values he upheld,” the President said.