An Islamic cleric in Kwara State, Sheikh AbdulRazaq Aduaga, has said that the late Alhaji Aminullahi Jaigbade started learning how to read the Qur’an at the age of 80.
Jaigbade died in the early hours of Monday shortly after complaining of a slight headache at the age of 121, disclosed his son, AbdulRazaq.
Aduaga, who was speaking during the burial of the deceased at his Ita Merin residence in Ilorin West LGA on Monday, said the deceased devoted his remaining years in life to the service of Almighty Allah.
He said, “Despite his age, he started to learn how to read the Qur’an when he attained 80 years after quitting the stage. He retired to focus on God.
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“This is what many of us will not do or find difficult to adopt. Do you know what it means for a man of his fame and status to take that path at such an advanced age?
“Almighty saw his intention and rewarded him accordingly by favouring him with the knowledge and recitation of the Qur’an. We should all take a cue from this.”
He added that the late music icon never sang lewd or morally corrupt lyrics, but was full of wisdom and rich heritage that were lacking in most of our musicians today who were Muslims.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, commiserated with the government and people of Kwara State on the death of Jaigbade.
In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said, “The highly influential, popular musician and ‘Dadakuada’ exponent will be forever remembered for his invaluable contributions to the development of the creative industry in Nigeria.
“He started to make an impact with his music very early in life, and his fame as a fantastic and deep musician resonated along the West African coast, where he often honoured invitations to entertain lovers of his brand which he ultimately exported as far as the United States.
“His lack of formal education did nothing to vitiate the depth of indigenous wisdom that his music came to be associated with, earning him many chieftaincy titles and an honourary doctorate from the Kwara State University.”
Buhari called on his numerous fans and mentees to eternalise the legacy of the “Professor of local wisdom” by imbibing his deep sense of responsibility.