Kwara Gov, AbdulRazaq Pay Last Respect To Late Elerin of Erin-Ile, Aremo Oyawoye

By Lawal Merit Ifeoma

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Saturday visited Erin-Ile town in Oyun Local Government to commiserate with the community on the death of the Elerin Oba Abdulganiyu Ajibola Olusokun II (MFR), after which he attended the prayers for the first class monarch.

The condolence visit was preceded by the Governor's visit to Offa where he joined the creme de la creme in the state and beyond for Islamic prayers in honour of Aremo Jamiu Mosobalaje Oyawoye (CON), Africa's first professor of geology and Baba Adini of Kwara State who passed on last Monday.

AbdulRazaq, who recently emerged as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), penned a few words in the condolence registers in honour of the two giants, saying they left impressive footprints in the sand of time and praying Allah to repose their souls in al-jannah Firdaus.

On his entourage were the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; House of Assembly Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu; Senator Lola Ashiru; House of Assembly members; cabinet members; and other top government officials.

Both events were headlined by first class monarchs and other royalties, senior citizens and clerics, such as the Etsu Patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Bologi II; Olofa of Offa Oba Muftau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu; Chairperson Federal Character Commission Muheeda Dankaka; Mutawali of Ilorin Dr. Alimi AbdulRazaq; founder of Al-Hikmah University and Jagunmolu Igbaja Alhaji Oladimeji Igbaja.

Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was represented by Serikin Salama of the Emirate Alhaji Ayuba Gambari.

Sheikh Soliu Ijaballahi Lafelele, who led other eminent Islamic scholars in the prayers in Offa, prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Dr. Ahmad Agbaje, who is a member of the Kwara State Arabic Education Board, in his sermon, described the late Oyawoye as a true believer and philanthropist, who dedicated his entire life to worshipping Allah and assisting the less-privileged, particularly widows and orphans.

Dr. Agbaje commended the Governor for gracing the Fidau prayers and for his sterling performance that continues to place Kwara at a higher pedestal.

Chief Imam of Isale-Oja Erin-Ile Sheikh Ibrahim Abdulrazaq said death is inevitable for humans and urged everyone to work towards it with good deeds.

He described the monarch as a great man who was committed to the development of his community.