Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, has commiserated with the family of the late Dadakuada music maestro, Alhaji Jaigbade Alao, who died in the early hours of Monday at the age of 121.
This is contained in a condolence message by the university’s Head of Information and University Relations, Dr Habib Yakoob, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, staff members and students of the institution.
The vice-chancellor commiserated with Kwara State government, Gov. Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq and the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Maimartaba Sarkin Ilori, friends, fans and lovers of the deceased across the world.
Na’Allah, who said he had researched extensively into Jaigbade’s music as resource for African Oral Literature and Performance, said he was sad to hear about the death of the veteran musician.
He described the late music maestro as an exceptionally brilliant and warm-hearted person, who believed in using music to create critical changes in the society.
“He took his traditional performances around the world, including USA and Brazil, where I had the opportunity to see first-hand how he made a huge impression of his exceptional creative talents before the global community.
“He was a role model to many and used his music to advance the philosophy of love, good neighbourliness, excellent creativity, hard work, patriotism, fear of God, commitment to humanity, love of culture and many more.
“He won great rewards from the government and people, including a recognition award by the Kwara State Government and a honorary Doctor of Literature degree by Kwara State University.
“I am honored to have researched his work and had many hours of close personal encounters with this legend of Ilorin art, history and culture. He was turbaned as the King of Singers (Oba Olorin) by the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Muhammad Zulkarnaini Ayelabowo Gambari,” he said.
The vice-chancellor called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immortlise the musician for his great contributions to the musical world.
He prayed Allah to have mercy upon the soul of the deceased, reward him abundantly and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
