Renowned Islamic cleric, educationist and former Sharia court judge, Dr. Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, is dead.
He died at 91 in the early hours of Thursday in Minna, the capital of Niger State, according to a short statement released by his son, Nurudeen.
Although, Nurudeen did not the cause of his father’s death, he said;
It is with sadness and reverence to Allah that we announce the passing away of our father, Dr. Justice Sheikh Ahmed Lemu OFR, in the early hours of this morning in Minna. Burial arrangements to be announced later.
Born in Lemu village in Niger State, the late Sheikh was a revered expert in Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, Shari’a Jurisdiction and education.
He was educated at London University’s School of African and Oriental Studies where he obtained the certificate of General Education (Advanced Level) in History, Arabic, Hausa and Persian Languages in 1961, and Bachelor’s Degree (Honors) in African and Oriental Studies in 1964.
In a career spanning over 50 years, Lemu taught Arabic language, English language and Islamic studies at various schools.
He was appointed Senior Inspector of Education in 1970 and Chief Inspector of Education for Sokoto State in North West Nigeria between 1971 – 1973.
Lemu also served as Technical Director (1974-1975) and Director of Educational Planning (1975-1976) in the State.
In 2009, he was appointed Consultant at Fountain University in Osogbo, Nigeria.
Lemu has also served in the Judiciary, first as a Shar’ia judge at the Court of Appeals in Sokoto and Niger (1976 – 1977) then as Chief Shar’ia Judge at the Court of Appeals in Niger State (1976 – 1991).
Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu was also involved in efforts to tackle security challenges and Islamic extremism, especially in in Northern Nigeria.
He established the Islamic Da’awa (Call) Institute to combat extremism and was a prominent defender of rights of Muslim women.
Lemu was also the Founder and President of the Islamic Education Trust in Nigeria and a member of several other humanitarian societies and endowments that serve Muslims in his country.
He was conferred with the Nigerian National Order by former Nigerian President Abdulsalami Abubakar in 1999 and former Nigerian President Obasanjo in 2001; Honorary Doctorate Degree from Uthman Danfodiyo University (1996); Honorary Doctorate Degree from Fountain University, Osogbo University (2011) among others.
The late educationist was the Chairman of a Presidential Committee on Post-Election Violence set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan to probe the violence which trailed the announcement of the results of 2011 presidential election in parts of the Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Shaikh Ahmed Lemu is one of the two Nigerians who have won King Faisal Prize. He is a renowned Islamic scholar, known and respected by West African Muslims and throughout the Islamic world.
He is a composed intellectual, a devout Muslim and an advocate of moderation, justice and open-mindedness. He is also a strong supporter of women’s rights.
May his soul rest in peace.
