The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao, is dead.

 

Arisekola, who was a popular Nigerian businessman and contractor, as well as the publisher of the now defunct Monitor Newspaper, passed away on Wednesday, June 18 , 2014 in London. He is considered a wealthy businessman who is known for his causes in support of Islam in Ibadan and his close ties to many of the city’s traditional and religious elites and to various other Yoruba Muslim leaders.

He bears the title of Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland. Arisekola saw his fortunes rise during the regimes of Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha while his style is sometimes criticized as favoring any regime that can butter his nest. He was both a friend of MKO Abiola and Sani Abacha but was actively involved in supporting the latter to elongate his tenure through a transition from military to democratic leadership. Born in 1945 to Abdul Raheem Alao and Olatutu Alao, he attended St Luke’s Primary School, Adigun and ICC Primary school, he also studied Arabic Studies. In 1960, he was with the Ogunpa-Oyo Commercial Center before venturing into full time business a year later. His vast business empire spans auto sales, flour mills and oil marketing through his Lister brand, he has also developed interest in real estate, insurance, banking and publishing. He is survived by wives and children.