Nation in Mourning as Esteemed Islamic Scholar Professor Yusuf Lanre Badmas Passes Away
The Nigerian Muslim community and academic circles have been plunged into deep sorrow following the death of the highly respected Islamic scholar, Professor Yusuf Lanre Badmas. The prominent cleric, who hailed from Ilorin in Kwara State, reportedly passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound scholarship and religious guidance.
Sultan of Sokoto Leads Tributes to Academic Titan
His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has expressed profound grief and heartfelt condolences over this significant loss. Through an official statement released by his media team, the Sultan described Professor Badmas as an academic titan whose departure would create a substantial void in Islamic scholarship across Nigeria.
The Sultan emphasized that while death represents an inevitable divine call, the passing of Professor Badmas constitutes a major blow to Islamic jurisprudence and religious education throughout the nation. He offered prayers for the eternal repose of the scholar's soul, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him entry into Al-Jannah Firdaus.
Traditional Leader Otunba Adekunle Ojora Also Remembered
This period of national mourning has been compounded by the earlier passing of another distinguished Nigerian figure, Otunba Adekunle Ojora. The revered traditional leader, who held multiple prestigious titles including Otunba of Lagos and Lisa of Ife, breathed his last in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, as confirmed by his family.
Born on June 13, 1932, Otunba Ojora remained a pillar of Yoruba cultural heritage throughout his lifetime. His numerous titles reflected his deep connection to Lagos royalty and traditional affairs:
- Chief Olori Omoba of Lagos
- Olori-ebi of the Ojora Royal Family
- Head of the Ojora Royal Family
- Head of the Oba Ologunkutere and Oba Adele Ajosun Royal Family
- Head of the Aiyeomosan Chieftaincy Family of Lagos
The late traditional leader played an instrumental role in preserving Yoruba cultural traditions and fostering unity among Lagos chieftaincy families. He is survived by children, grandchildren, and an extensive extended family, including his daughter Toyin Ojora-Saraki, wife of former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Journalistic Community Loses Veteran Olufemi Odugbose
Adding to this period of national loss, the journalism profession has bid farewell to veteran journalist Olufemi Odugbose, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, January 29. The influential media professional, who once served as private secretary to Ogun State's first civilian governor, the late Olabisi Onabanjo, had been scheduled for burial on Saturday, January 31.
Odugbose built a distinguished career at The Punch newspaper, where he served for many years as a sub-editor before rising to the position of deputy chief sub-editor. Following his resignation in 1999, he co-founded Treasure Weekly, a publication based in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, further contributing to Nigeria's media landscape.
The simultaneous passing of these three prominent figures from different spheres of Nigerian society has created a profound sense of collective mourning across the nation, with each leaving indelible marks on religious scholarship, cultural preservation, and journalistic excellence.
