Kwara State is in mourning after the death of Sheikh Abdulqodir Kamaludeen Al-Adaby, the Khalifatul Adabiyyah Worldwide. He passed away in Ilorin on Friday at age 82.
The revered Islamic scholar had battled illness for roughly two weeks before his death. He died shortly before the Friday congregational prayer, according to those close to him.
Students attributed his illness to advanced age. His Janazah ceremony took place at Okekere in Ilorin, with burial around 5:30 pm that evening.
Al-Adaby was the eldest surviving son of Sheikh Muhammad Kamaludeen Al-Adaby, Ilorin's first Grand Mufti. He earned widespread recognition as one of Kwara's most respected Islamic leaders.
News of his passing triggered widespread sorrow across the Ilorin Emirate. Political figures, clerics, and Ansarul Islam movement followers began offering condolences.
Abdullateef Kamaldeen, Grand Khadi and Chief Judge of Kwara's Sharia Court of Appeal, expressed shock at the loss. "He was a father figure—very generous and kind," he told Daily Trust on Friday.
Kamaldeen added that the family would deeply miss the deceased. "He was 82," he noted simply.
The Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, called the cleric's death a tremendous loss to both the emirate and humanity. His spokesman, Dr.
Abdulazeez Arowona, released a formal statement on the Emir's behalf.
According to the Emir, Sheikh Abdulqodir dedicated himself entirely to Islamic propagation and scholarly work. He also championed peaceful coexistence among communities throughout his life.
Sulu-Gambari noted that the Ilorin Emirate has accepted Allah's will regarding this painful loss. He prayed that the Almighty would forgive any shortcomings the deceased may have had.
The Emir asked that Allah illuminate his grave and grant him entry to Al-Jannah Firdaus. Such prayers are customary in Islamic funeral rites and reflect respect for the departed.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq extended condolences to the Ansarul Islam Family worldwide. His Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Abdulrafiu Agboola, issued a statement on the governor's behalf.
AbdulRazaq described the late cleric as a man of tremendous grace, patience, and wisdom. His leadership qualities won admiration across Muslim communities throughout Nigeria and beyond.
"He was a leader who won hearts with his great qualities," the governor said in his statement. "He embodied the patience, wisdom, and depth of the legendary Alhaji Agba."
According to AbdulRazaq, Sheikh Abdulqodir's passing has left a significant void in Ansarul Islam and the broader Islamic community. Still, he expressed confidence that Allah would preserve both the organization and its ideals.
Those who knew him praised Al-Adaby's humility and deep devotion to Islamic teaching. Over many years, he played crucial roles in religious mentorship and advancing Islamic education.
His influence extended far beyond Kwara State boundaries. Scholars and students throughout the region regarded him as a beacon of Islamic learning and spiritual guidance.
