By Abdulfatai Beki
A federal lawmaker, Raheem Ajuloopin and the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Ismail Alebiosu, were among dignitaries who graced the 25 years remembrance prayers for Chief Yesufu Adedoyin on Monday in Ijomu – Oro, Kwara.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedoyin, the Olori-ewe of Oro land in Kwara, died on Nov. 24, 2000.
Adedoyin was also the Baba Adinni of Ijomu Oro and the Mogaji Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque.
NAN reports that the prayers, which held at Ijomu-Oro Central mosque, was led by the Chief Imam of Ijomu-Oro, Sheikh Bashir Ibrahim.
The Chief Imam of Oro Kingdom, Sheikh Taofeeq Sanusi, in his brief sermon, said it is permissible and honourable for Muslims to remember late parents through prayers and alms giving.
Sanusi, who quoted relevant verses from the Quran to buttress his point, said such prayers become more important when parents leave indelible marks and legacies while alive.
He described the late Adedoyin as a respectable and highly loved community leader whose communal and religious impact transcended boundaries.
Sanusi said Adedoyin would be fondly remembered for his contributions to the establishment of Ansarul Islam Grammar School, Ijomu-Oro, whose products were making waves in many spheres.
He praised the children of the deceased, particularly Chief Raheem Adedoyin, a former Commissioner for Information in Kwara, for the honour done to their late father through the prayers.
The younger Adedoyin in his tributes described his father as a highly respected community leader and bridge builder.
“As rightly quoted by Islamic clerics, community leaders and religious leaders present, my father was a towering figure as far as community and religious services were concerned.
” He certainly distinguished himself as a true son of Ijomu-Oro.
“He was loved not only by his people in Ijomu-Oro but across the entire Oro Kingdom for his selflessness and commitment to the growth, progress and development of the community and its people,” he said.
He said the large assemblage of personalities at the prayers, especially the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, who is visiting Ijomu-Oro for the first time, was a testament to the love and affection people have for his late father.
Other personalities at the event included Hon. Shola Odetundun, the lawmaker representing Irepodun Local Government in the Kwara House of Assembly.
Also present were retired Gen. Lasisi Abidoye, an APC chieftain in Omu-Aran, as well as members of the 1978 set of Ansarul Islam Grammar School to which the younger Adedoyin belonged.
The highlight of the event was the special prayers for Adedoyin’s family, Oro Kingdom, Kwara and Nigeria as a whole. (NAN)
Edited by Mufutau Ojo
