President Bola Tinubu has publicly mourned the death of Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu paid tribute to Baba-Ahmed as a respected administrator and religious leader who devoted his career to Islam and to Nigeria.
President Recalls Long-Standing Personal Association
Tinubu described Baba-Ahmed as "an impactful leader" who guided the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria with wisdom, foresight and a deep commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence. According to the statement, Tinubu had maintained a long-standing relationship with the late Baba-Ahmed, one that stretched back to the period leading up to the 2011 general election. The deceased also offered counsel and support to Tinubu during his successful 2023 presidential campaign.
Beyond their personal connection, Tinubu recognised Baba-Ahmed's broader contributions to national life, noting his role in keeping the Council relevant in public discourse and in championing moral renewal and social justice. "The President notes Malam Baba-Ahmed's pivotal role in sustaining the Council's voice on national issues, fostering greater understanding, and promoting the values of moral renewal and social justice," the statement read.
Condolences Extended to Family and Muslim Community
Tinubu extended his condolences to the leadership and members of the Supreme Council for Shari'ah in Nigeria, the Baba-Ahmed family, the Kaduna State Government and its people, as well as the broader Nigerian Muslim community. "The President prays that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings, admits him to Jannatul Firdaus, and grants his family and the Muslim Ummah the fortitude to bear this loss," the statement added.
The presidential statement was shared via a post on X, providing the full text of Tinubu's tribute to the late religious leader.
Former Kaduna Speaker Zailani Reacts to Baba-Ahmed's Passing
Meanwhile, Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, a former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, said he was deeply saddened by Baba-Ahmed's passing. His statement partly read: "Nigeria has truly lost one of her great sons and patriots. Baba was an elder whose life was marked by service, wisdom and concern for the progress of our people. His death is a great loss to his family, Kaduna State and the entire nation."
"My heartfelt condolences go to the Baba Ahmed family, his relatives, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," Zailani added. His full statement was shared on his Facebook page.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported the death of Sheikh Imam Tijani Olubodun Gbajabiamila, the Olori Ratibi of Lagos. Sheikh Gbajabiamila breathed his last at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). His son, Ibikunle Lateef, broke the news on his Facebook page, confirming the death of the renowned Islamic cleric. The late Sheikh was buried at the Iponri Central Mosque, in line with Islamic burial rites.
