Former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has expressed grief over the death of Alhaji Shakiru Adeola Ayilara, popularly known as “Shako Alhaji”.
Ayilara, aged 67, was the Ogun State Chairman of the Association of Ram Sellers and a prominent grassroots figure with strong connections across the political, business and community circles of the state.
He died on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, leaving his family, friends, political associates, community members and colleagues in the ram sellers’ association in mourning.
Reacting to his death, Isola described Ayilara as a trusted political ally and dependable associate whose loyalty, commitment and contributions to community affairs would be greatly missed.
“I have lost a trusted ally,” Isola said, recalling the years of friendship and political association he shared with the deceased.
He described Ayilara as a dependable grassroots mobiliser and community leader who remained committed to the interests of his people and those around him.
According to Isola, Ayilara’s death was a significant loss to the community and to the many people who benefited from his counsel, friendship and leadership.
The deceased was widely regarded as a grassroots leader who combined his business activities with community development, public service and political engagement.
Until his death, Ayilara served as Chairman of the Association of Ram Sellers in Ogun State, where he represented the interests of members and helped coordinate ram sellers across the state.
His leadership experience dated back several decades. He served as a councillor in the then Abeokuta Local Government in 1987, marking an early involvement in grassroots administration and public service.
He also served as Chairman of the Ike Oluwa Community Development Association, Imala, Abeokuta, where he participated actively in community leadership and development initiatives.
Ayilara was also a former Chairman of the Ogun State Bulk Purchasing Corporation, further reflecting his involvement in organised economic and public-sector activities.
His political activities brought him into contact with several political and community stakeholders in Ogun State, particularly around the Abeokuta axis, where he was regarded as a familiar grassroots figure.
In an obituary announcement issued on Wednesday, the Ayilara family expressed profound grief over his death while affirming its submission to the will of Almighty Allah.
The family described him as a beloved son, father, brother and community leader whose life was marked by service to his family and the wider society.
His death is expected to be particularly felt among members of the Association of Ram Sellers, community leaders, business associates and political figures who interacted with him over the years.
Despite his various leadership responsibilities, Ayilara remained closely connected to his roots and maintained relationships across community, business and political circles.
His Janazah prayer and burial were scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Olomore Cemetery, Abeokuta, at 4pm.
The family called on relatives, friends, associates and sympathisers to join in prayers for the repose of his soul.
It also prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
The obituary announcement was signed by Adeyanju Kabiru Ayilara (Wesco) on behalf of the Ayilara family.
