Shakiru Adeola Ayilara, a former councillor and chairman of the Association of Ram Sellers in Ogun State, died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the age of 67. His family confirmed the death in a formal announcement, and his Janazah (Islamic funeral prayer) and burial took place the same day at 4:00 p.m. at Olomore Cemetery in Abeokuta, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Family Announces Passing of Community Leader
The Ayilara family, in a statement signed by Adeyanju Kabiru Ayilara, known as Wesco, expressed profound grief while submitting to the will of God. The statement described the deceased as "a beloved son, father, brother, and community leader," widely known by his popular moniker "Shako Alhaji."
Ayilara remained active in the Association of Ram Sellers and community affairs until his death. His family prayed that God forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him paradise.
Long Record of Public Service and Community Involvement
Beyond his role with the ram sellers' association, Ayilara served as a councillor in the then Abeokuta Local Government in 1987, contributing to local governance in Ogun State at an early stage. He also chaired the Ike Oluwa Community Development Association in Imala, Abeokuta, and served as chairman of the Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation.
His family remembered him as a son, father, brother, and community leader whose presence shaped those around him, underscoring his commitment to grassroots development.
Sarafa Isola Mourns Ayilara as a Brother
Reacting to the death, Sarafa Isola, Nigeria's former high commissioner to the United Kingdom and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), described Ayilara as "a brother with whom I shared a remarkable part of life's journey." In a condolence statement exclusively obtained by Legit.ng, Isola said Ayilara would be remembered as a man of substance, enterprise, and service.
Isola, a former aspirant for the Ogun State governorship, stated: "I lost a brother, and that is a loss I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. For those of us who knew him closely, his greatest significance was in the relationships he built and the lives he touched." He added: "May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss."
Burial and Legacy
Ayilara's burial took place on the day of his death, Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Olomore Cemetery in Abeokuta. The announcement was made public on Facebook alongside a picture of the deceased, with the family submitting fully to Islamic rites.
The deceased's legacy includes his leadership in the Association of Ram Sellers, his early contributions to local governance in 1987, and his chairmanship of the Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation. His death marks the loss of a figure whose work touched community development and religious life in Ogun State.
