Why my father fought for hijab use in Lagos schools – Late Adetola-Kaseem’s first son

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Late AbdulGaniy Adetola-Kaseem (SAN): Man who liberated Lagos Muslim girls in schools from persecution over hijab.

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*Muslim Students eulogise deceased, visit family

“Apart from the religious sphere, Nigeria and especially the legal profession have indeed lost an illustrious and enigmatic personality.  Quite evident is the fact that in spite of all that he had been able to accomplish in his fulfilled life in the course of his practice as a lawyer and other selfless activities, he remained an epitome of modesty and humility, who never looked down on anybody.”

Heir of the Alhaji AbdulGaniy Adetola-Kaseem family, Ibrahim, has disclosed that his father, who died on Monday, fought for the use of hijab by Muslim girls in Lagos State public schools not just because he considered it as merely a religious affair but also that he spearheaded the struggle based on his conviction of hijab use as a cause for humanity.

Janazah session for the late legal luminary, in Lagos, on Monday.

Ibrahim stated this when he played host to the leadership of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, who paid a condolence visit to the Lagos family house of the late senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Wednesday.

During the visit, Ibrahim, who is first son of Adetola-Kaseem, commended the students for their support and loyalty to his father.

He explained that the deceased was always proud to be identified with MSSN during his lifetime to the extent that he encouraged all his children to be members.

Speaking on the role his father played in how Muslim girls of Lagos State schools eventually got their freedom from those who hid behind authority to persecute them for wearing hijab on their uniforms, Ibrahim said, “The fight for hijab should not be perceived from religion perspective, it is a fight for humanity. Baba had always been a lover of MSSN and I can testify to the impact of MSSN in our (Adetola-Kaseem’s children) lives. MSSN simply teaches humanity how to be successful on earth and in the hereafter.

“In the last interview that was granted by my father before his death, he made it clear that his defence of the hijab is not religious but a cause for humanity. MSSN in Lagos State has obviously shown that it is not retrogressive and it encourages hard work; that is why you can find a Ph.D holder as its leader,” he noted.

The MSSN, led to the deceased home by its President, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, had earlier joined hundreds of Muslims in the janazah of the late legal luminary and human right promoter, on Monday.

In his speech during the visit, Dr. Ashafa eulogised the virtues of the deceased, whom he described as an illustrious and enigmatic personality, adding that his sacrificial life was worthy of emulation.

The Amir urged members of the Adetola-Kaseem’s family to maintain the good legacies he left behind.

“Adetola-Kaseem’s life was well spent.  It is those of us living that should ensure that our lives are also well spent. I implore members of his family not to do anything that will jeopardise the symbols that he stood for when he was alive.

“With the passing away of this defender of the rule of law and justice, a quintessential personality, brilliant, dogged, indefatigable and relentless promoter of human rights, who dedicated his adult life to the cause of humanity and oppressed, it is an understatement to say the MSSN and Muslims in general have suffered a back-breaking subtraction that would be difficult to replenish for a very long time.

“Apart from the religious sphere, Nigeria and especially the legal profession have indeed lost an illustrious and enigmatic personality.  Quite evident is the fact that in spite of all that he had been able to accomplish in his fulfilled life in the course of his practice as a lawyer and other selfless activities, he remained an epitome of modesty and humility, who never looked down on anybody.”

The late Alhaji AbdulGaniy Adetola-Kaseem (SAN), who was the lead counsel on the long-running hijab case in Lagos State, died Monday morning at AB Specialist Hospital, Surulere after a brief illness.


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