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Friday Sermon: Late Alhaji Babatunde Jose: Death and Theodicy Revisited

Published

8 years ago

July 27, 2018

Eric

By Ibrahim Babatunde Jose ll

Of all mankind’s ostensibly insoluble problems, the question of death has been the most vexing. Most faiths have turned death into the main source of meaning in life. The theme of the most ancient myths to come down to us is that of King Gilgamesh of Uruk in ancient Sumeria. Gilgamesh once set out to find how to defeat death, he travelled to the end of the universe but returned empty handed and resigned to the fact that when man was created, death was set as man’s inevitable destiny. So let it be with Alhaji Jose.

The sad end of righteous men has also been a matter of great concern to discerning minds. It often brings to mind the age old question: Why does God allow suffering? Theodicy attempts to explain why a perfectly good, almighty, and all-knowing God permits suffering. The term literally means “justifying God.” Suffice to say; neither that late Alhaji Jose nor those close to him could have conjectured any reason why a righteous man would suffer untold pain and afflictions that would see him waste away till death added the coup de grace.

Alhaji Jose was not a prince, but a righteous man, a compassionate and God fearing person who devoted most of his life to serving man and his creator. However, towards the end of his life, his health was challenged so brutally that it left us asking, why a righteous man should suffer such ill health. It is always said that God has a way of testing his dear ones, but that of Alhaji Jose was of Jobian proportion. On several occasions we wondered what manner of affliction it was. Some said it was a sudden ‘loss of vitality’, a syndrome that is accompanied by aches and pains, digestion and bowel disorders, brain fog, or inability to concentrate, easy exhaustion, unexplained extreme fatigue, decreased ability to perform work or participate in social, educational and personal activities, decreased ability to multi-task, chronic low-grade fever, forgetfulness and difficulty with short term memory, headaches, recurring infections, insomnia, tender lymph nodes, joint pain unrelated to injury or trauma, without swelling or redness, muscle pain and stiffness, poor sleep, feeling unrefreshed, increased thirst, chronic or frequent sore throats and weight loss.

It is said that most patients have a unique combination of these symptoms, which can significantly diminish a person’s quality of life, and in severe cases can inhibit a person from being able to carry out basic daily life functions. This last symptom was most depressing as it affected not only Baba’s locomotion but also his desire and ability to serve his God and observe the common daily prayers. In the end, a man who had prayed, fasted and obeyed the five pillars of Islam laid comatose and unable to perform any of those precepts. Like a ship that hit the sand bar, Baba was helpless and had to be assisted to perform almost all the basic functions. He spent most of the time either propped up in bed or on the wheelchair. We once thought of wheeling him to the mosque in the house for his daily prayers, but it was a futile exercise as he just sat there, oblivious to the environment of the mosque.

He would stay for hours without acknowledging the presence of his visitor, only for him to sometimes regain lucidity when the visitor was about leaving. And yet he refused to travel abroad for treatment for fear of ‘going as a passenger and returning as cargo’.

His end, like that of many others serve as a lesson to us all about the mortality of man and the need to do good while we are still able, because a day would come when we would be alive, like one who has died, a day when we would not be able to move our limbs, a day when we would not be able to eat or drink, a day when we would be assisted to stand or sit. We should remember a day when we would become as helpless as a day-old child, when we would not have control over the clothes we wear, nor the food we are fed nor the bed we would sleep on. We would be at the mercy of care-givers. We should pray not to be put to a test which we cannot bear. At the end of it all, death must come. Mutua ba magani, no medicine against death.

There is no doubt, medical science will overcome many of these intractable health challenges and the likes of Alhaji Jose would live much longer on this side of the divide.

We remember the day ten years ago. August 2^nd 2008 was like no other Saturday. It was the day hell was let loose on the city of Lagos; a day when even pedestrians did not know which direction they were heading to and motorists were in a dilemma as to how to manoeuvre out of the traffic quagmire of that day. There was pandemonium on the roads as the Third Mainland Bridge; the longest bridge in the metropolis was closed to traffic for needed repairs. Yet, this was the day Alhaji Babatunde José, erstwhile doyen of modern Nigerian journalism, chose to die and be buried. It would be a Saturday to be tattooed in the memories of all; a day when the ‘proverbial Devil decided to drink water’. “When beggars die there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.”

But as a righteous man, when the end came, though he could not voice it out, there is no doubt, he would have been saying: Say: Truly my prayer and my service of sacrifice, my life and my death, are all for Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds”. (Holy Quran 8:162)

As we remember, Alhaji Babatunde Jose next Thursday, 2^nd of August, we pray that Allah forgive his sins and grant him Al-Jannatul Fridous and make his grave a place for comfort and light. Ameen

Barka Juma’at and a happy weekend

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2027: Peter Obi Raises Doubt About Clinching ADC Presidential Ticket

Published

10 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed reservations over his ability to clinch the African Democratic Congress’ (ADC) presidential ticket for the 2027 elections.

In a video address to his followers, Obi stated that receiving the ADC’s presidential ticket is not guaranteed.

He said: “Someone asked me how I know for sure that the ADC will give me the presidential ticket. I cannot be certain. What matters is that we are committed to a cause.

I keep wondering how we ended up in this situation and what might happen if we decide to stop working on this project.”

“Obi also said he is still committed to his goals, and he hasn’t let any reported threats stop him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate praised his supporters for their resilience, recognizing the difficulties of working within opposition politics in Nigeria.

Obi thanked everyone who stayed loyal even though they didn’t get much benefit right away.

“I thank you for your sacrifice. It’s not easy to be in the opposition in Nigeria, and I’m thankful to those who keep supporting even when there’s no clear reward,” he said.

He, however, expressed uncertainty about the future, especially concerning political alliances and commitments.

“How can we be certain that the people we’re working with right now won’t leave us behind tomorrow? I wish we could be sure, but we can’t,” he said.

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Terrorism: Tinubu Seeks UK’s Assistance Amid Challenges

Published

18 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, solicited partnership with the United Kingdom to crush terrorism in the Sahel before it engulfs the region.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel,” Tinubu told King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and elite guests, at a state banquet.

Speaking as the first Nigerian leader at the historic venue, Tinubu said: “As one of the largest nations within the Commonwealth, Nigeria looks forward to contributing constructively to the continued growth and vitality of this global community.

“Our West African region faces complex terrorism challenges with roots in the Sahel. Nigeria carries an enormous responsibility to help safeguard regional stability. In confronting these threats, partnership with the United Kingdom remains essential and I look forward to my meeting with Prime Minister Kier Starmer tomorrow.

“Despite these challenges, Nigeria approaches the future with hope and confidence. We are a nation of diverse and vibrant people, of young people dreaming big, of entrepreneurs with a global outlook, and of a hopeful people determined to realise their full potential.”

The Nigeria’s President said it was an honour to stand before the royal family, representing the people of Nigeria to reaffirm the enduring bonds of friendship, history, and shared purpose that have united Nigeria and the United Kingdom for several centuries.

“Allow me first to express my sincere appreciation to Your Majesty and to Her Majesty, The Queen for the warmth and generosity extended to me, my wife, Oluremi, and the Nigerian delegation.

“As the first Nigerian leader to speak here at Windsor Castle, which has served the British Crown for nearly a millennium, is particularly historic. Windsor has stood as a symbol of continuity, witnessing the steady evolution of institutions that have shaped governance, culture, and public life not only in Britain but far beyond these shores.

“Nigeria and the United Kingdom have shared more than just history; our two nations share a vision of progress and resilience. Today, we continue that journey, committed to building a future rooted in partnership, mutual respect, and common values.

“Standing here in Windsor Castle, one cannot help but reflect on Britain’s impact on modern democratic governance worldwide.”

He explained further: “The Magna Carta of 1215 laid the early foundations for the rule of law and the development of parliamentary democracy, establishing enduring ideals around liberty, accountable government, and civic responsibility.

“Great British thinkers and writers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Edmund Burke helped to propagate those democratic ideals. Their influence continues to resonate to this day.

“The literary genius of William Shakespeare and other writers such as Charles Dickens, has enriched and shaped the English language, spoken by over 1.5 billion people worldwide.

“In Nigeria, elements of these traditions continue to inform the institutional foundations of our own republic. Our courts draw upon legal traditions rooted in English common law. Our parliamentary institutions reflect constitutional practices that evolved here over centuries. Our civil service structures have also drawn upon administrative models developed in Britain and adapted to Nigeria’s own national context.

“While institutions matter greatly, our people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries.”

He said the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom has become one of the most dynamic diaspora communities worldwide, adding: “Nigerians contribute enormously to the vitality of this nation. Within the National Health Service, Nigerian doctors and nurses play an indispensable role in delivering healthcare. Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of international medical professionals serving the NHS.”

He noted the exploits of Nigerians in the country especially in sports, saying: “in sport, rugby players such as Maro Itoje, footballers including Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, and champion boxer Anthony Joshua, illustrate the remarkable human connection that links Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

“Our partnership is further strengthened through the Commonwealth of Nations, which connects 56 countries under Your Majesty’s leadership.”

He expressed confidence that the friendship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom will continue to grow.

“Finally, Your Majesty, I wish to express Nigeria’s deep gratitude to this great nation for the refuge and support it extended during the dark years of military dictatorship. Like many Nigerians involved in the pro-democracy struggle, I found safety here, and I recall that my residence was placed under Metropolitan Police surveillance for protection following threats from agents of the junta.

“That solidarity remains etched in our collective memory, and it is deeply humbling for me to stand before Your Majesty today as the President of a democratic Nigeria.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I thank Your Majesty, Her Majesty The Queen, Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, other members of the Royal Family, and the people of the United Kingdom for their longstanding friendship.

“In the spirit of friendship and our shared destiny, I invite you all to raise a glass with me:

“To the special bond between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and to the bright future that we shall build together.”

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Bala Mohammed Debunks Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty to PDP

Published

18 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Eric

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has dismissed speculation linking him with a possible defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reiterating his commitment to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The governor, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, had recently been the subject of reports suggesting he might be considering leaving the opposition party, with claims that such a move could occur within the week.

However, while dismissing the rumour shortly after presiding over the swearing-in of 17 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries at the Government House in Bauchi on Wednesday, Mohammed downplayed the claims, stressing that he had made no official statement indicating any intention to quit the PDP.

He maintained that the reports are unfounded, reaffirming his continued membership of the party.

“I find it amusing that even when I have not said anything officially, people are already discussing me as if I have moved,” he said.