Community Pays Tribute to Renowned Panel Beater and Devout Cleric
The Arowolo Compound in Sakama, Taiwo, Ilorin, was enveloped in solemnity and heartfelt prayers as family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to bid farewell to Alhaji Husamot Salaudeen Adebayo, who passed away on September 18, 2025, at the age of 85.
Alhaji Adebayo, a respected Islamic cleric and accomplished panel beater, succumbed to cardiac arrest in Olusosun, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. He was laid to rest at his Ilorin residence in accordance with Islamic rites.
Double Loss Within Three Months
His passing came barely three months after the death of his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Aduke Adebayo, on June 26, 2025, compounding the grief of the family.
Special Prayers in Lagos and Kwara
Three days of fervent Islamic prayers were observed in both Lagos and Kwara States, where clerics and scholars prayed for Allah’s mercy upon his soul and for his admission into Aljanat Fridaus.
A Distinguished Career in Panel Beating
Alhaji Adebayo built a formidable reputation as an official panel beater for leading Nigerian banks, including First Bank, Wema Bank, and Union Bank, from 1972 to 1993. During his career, he trained and mentored 35 apprentices, many of whom went on to establish successful careers. After retirement, he devoted himself fully to Islamic service.
A Life of Faith and Service
Born on August 28, 1940, in Ga-Dadi, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Alhaji Adebayo endured early struggles. Following the death of his mother in 1962, he moved to Lagos to live with his uncle, Alhaji Yusuf Ayinde, in Gaskia, Amukoko, where he began his apprenticeship in panel beating, graduating in 1969.
Beyond his profession, he was deeply committed to Islam. He served as Baba Adinni of Ike-Oluwa Central Mosque, Olusosun, and Alatunse Adinni of Ike-Anobi Mosque, Oregun, Lagos. Over the years, he received multiple merit awards for his religious devotion and community service.
Legacy of Faith and Mentorship
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law. Among them is Aleem Murtala, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), TELL Magazine Chapel, who, alongside the family, remembers him as a dedicated father, mentor, and devout Muslim.