The Chief Imam of Owo, Sheikh Ahmad Oladoke Aladesawe, also known as Alhaji Ahmad Aladesawe, passed away on the evening of September 15, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria. His burial took place on September 16, 2025, at 2 p.m., following Islamic rites, reflecting the tradition of prompt burial in Islam. Sheikh Aladesawe was a prominent Islamic leader, serving not only as the Chief Imam of Owo but also as the Chairman of the Ondo State League of Imams and Alfas. Additionally, he held the position of Secretary General of Imams and Alfas across the South West, Edo, and Delta States, indicating his significant influence in the regional Muslim community.
His leadership was marked by efforts to promote peace, unity, and interfaith harmony, particularly in Owo, a town in Ondo State with a history of communal coexistence.Alhaji Kamorudeen Ishola, a local Muslim leader, confirmed the passing, highlighting the imam’s long service and dedication. The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) and the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) also issued statements mourning his loss, emphasizing his role as a scholar and spiritual guide. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed condolences, describing Aladesawe as a revered figure whose teachings fostered tolerance and mutual respect across religious and ethnic lines.
