The news of the passing of Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi came to me with profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss. It is difficult to find adequate words to express the emotions that accompany the departure of someone with whom I shared decades of friendship, Islamic service, and community leadership.
 
Death is the inevitable decree of Allah for every soul. Yet, when a devoted servant of Allah returns to his Creator, his departure leaves behind a vacuum that is deeply felt by family, friends, associates, and the wider Muslim Ummah.
 
I had the privilege of knowing Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi for several decades. Our relationship was built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to the propagation of Islam and the advancement of our community in the United Kingdom.
 
During my tenure as the Chief Imam of Dhiyah Haq Islamic Society of Nigeria, United Kingdom Branch, I worked closely with him while he served with distinction as the two-term President of the organisation. Those years remain among the most memorable periods of my Islamic leadership. Together, we pursued the noble objectives of strengthening the society, promoting Islamic education, fostering unity among members, and serving the Muslim community with sincerity, dedication, and the fear of Allah.
 
After my departure from Dhiyah Haq Islamic Society, I established Wabillahi Taofeeq Islamic Mission Worldwide, continuing my lifelong commitment to Da'wah, Islamic education, and community development. Although our organisational paths became different, the mutual respect, friendship, and brotherhood between Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi and me never diminished. We remained united by our shared love for Islam and our common desire to serve Allah through different platforms.
 
One of the memories I will forever treasure was our final telephone conversation during my recent gubernatorial consultation tour across different parts of the world. While I was in the United Kingdom, we spoke at length with the warmth and brotherhood that had characterised our relationship over the years. We both looked forward to meeting in person and made genuine plans to do so. Sadly, despite our best intentions, circumstances prevented that meeting from taking place before my departure.
 
Unknown to either of us, that telephone conversation would become our farewell in this world. Looking back now, I find solace in the fact that our final exchange was one of mutual respect, goodwill, and shared concern for the progress of Islam, the well-being of our community, and the future of our people. Although we were denied the opportunity to meet face to face, I remain profoundly grateful to Almighty Allah for granting us that last conversation—a memory I shall cherish for the rest of my life.
 
Life often reminds us that tomorrow is never guaranteed. We postpone meetings, believing there will always be another opportunity, only to discover that Allah's decree has already been written. Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi's passing is a poignant reminder that while plans belong to man, their fulfilment rests solely with Allah. It is therefore incumbent upon us to value every relationship, every conversation, and every opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood while time permits.
 
Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi was a man of integrity, wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Islam. He understood that leadership is an Amanah—a sacred trust—and he discharged that responsibility with sincerity, fairness, and dedication. His contributions to the growth of Dhiyah Haq Islamic Society and his positive influence on the wider Muslim community will remain part of his enduring legacy.
 
To his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and the entire Ajimobi family, I extend my heartfelt condolences. No words can fully ease the pain of losing a loved one of such immense value, but I pray that Almighty Allah grants you Sabr (patience), strengthens your hearts, and comforts you during this difficult period.
 
I equally extend my sincere condolences to the leadership and entire membership of Dhiyah Haq Islamic Society of Nigeria (United Kingdom Branch), where he served meritoriously as President and made lasting contributions to the organisation's growth and stability.
 
My condolences also go to the members of Wabillahi Taofeeq Islamic Mission Worldwide, many of whom knew and respected Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi. His passing is a reminder that despite serving through different organisations, our common purpose has always been the service of Allah and humanity.
 
I further extend my sympathies to the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his political associates, friends, the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom, the wider Nigerian diaspora, the Muslim Ummah across the world, and every individual whose life was enriched by his generosity, wisdom, friendship, and commitment to community service.
As Muslims, we find comfort in the words of Allah:
 
"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return."(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156).
Although death has taken him from our physical presence, it cannot erase the impact of a life devoted to righteousness and service. His legacy will continue to live through the institutions he strengthened, the lives he touched, the values he upheld, and the countless people who benefited from his leadership and kindness. True greatness is measured not by wealth or titles but by the positive difference one leaves behind, and Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi undoubtedly lived such a life.
 
I pray that Allah (SWT), in His infinite mercy, forgives all his shortcomings, accepts his righteous deeds as acts of worship, expands and illuminates his grave, grants him ease in the Hereafter, and admits him into Jannatul Firdaus in the company of the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.
 
May Allah also preserve the noble legacy he leaves behind, reward those who continue his good works, and make his life's service an everlasting source of Sadaqah Jariyah.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un.
 
May Allah (SWT) grant Alhaji Teslim Ajimobi Al-Jannah Firdaus and grant his family, loved ones, and the entire Muslim Ummah the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Saturday, June 27 2026.