Kumasi, March 22, GNA - The head of the Yoruba Community in the Ashanti Region, Chief Alhaji Malik Alao, is dead.

He died at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin Kwara State of Nigeria, on Friday, March 9, 2007 after a brief illness and has since been buried according to Islamic injunctions. Chief Alao, who was a prominent member of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in Ashanti was born 66 years ago in Kumasi and attended the Anglican Primary and Middle Schools in Kumasi where he established himself as a great footballer.

After school, he joined Kumasi Cornerstones and also played for Kumasi Asante Kotoko. A former employee of the old Kumasi City Council, he was installed head of the Yoruba Community in Ashanti in 1973 to succeed his father who died in 1972.

The late Chief Alao left behind three wives and 12 children. There will be special prayers (ADUA) for the repose of his soul at the Kumasi Central Mosque on Sunday March 25, 2007 at 1000 hours. 22 March 07