The mother of former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Alhaja Risikat Balogun, is dead.
She died at her Ogba, Lagos residence.
The late Alhaja Balogum was survived by seven children.
Dr. AbdulLateef, the immediate past Lagos State Amirul Hajj, announced the death of his mother on his Facebook page.
He wrote: “It is my turn to grieve! My darling mum has just died. Inna lilahi wa inna ilaehi rajiun.
“Please pray for her in your places. DO NOT COME FOR HER BURIAL. LET US COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES ! She lived well and died well. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al jannah fridaus. Aamin.”
Speaking with The Nation, Dr AbdulLateef appealed to Lagosians not to come for the Janazah (funeral).
This, he said, was to comply with the directives of the Lagos State government on social distancing due to the pandemic coronavirus.
Giving insight into the death of Alhaja Balogun, an aide of the ex-commissioner, AbdulGaniy Oladippupo, said she was rejected for treatment by a private hospital due to COVID-19 pandemic.
“The hospital rejected her for four days. The hospital management insisted that Alhaja should be taken to the COVID-19 test centre first before they can have anything to do with her despite her urgent need for medical treatment.
“The results came out yesterday (Wednesday) and was negative. Unfortunately, Mama died this morning, ” he said.
Former Chairman of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf urged the government to ensure that emergency cases that have not gone for COVID-19 test are attended to.
“We should not be losing people on the suspicion of coronavirus. Such people with emergency cases should be attended to while the medical personnel protect themselves with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“As Muslims, we know death comes at appointed time but we must address the way of dealing with emergency cases such as this ” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Jaiz Foundation Dr Abdullah Shuaib described deceased as an amiablie person.
“She was a cheerful giver and accommodating.
“She made a lot of sacrifices for her children to get to where they are today especially our friend, the former commissioner, ” he said.
