By Muhammed Olamilekan Soliu
Ajase-Ipo, Kwara State, played host to a multitude of dignitaries who converged to pay their respects to the late Alhaja Belawu Omotolarin Akanke Sulaiman.
The Fidau prayer organized by the Sulaiman family of the Olowurubiose compound, Ajase-Ipo on Tuesday was held at Ajase Comprehensive High School.
In attendance were notable figures such as Prof. Wale Sulaiman (CON), Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun; Prof. Ali Ahmad, former Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly; and His Royal Majesty, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo and Chancellor, Kwara State University of Education, Kwara State Chairman of APC, Prince Sunday Fagbemi and his PDP counterpart, Alhaji Babatunde Mohammed, representative of the Emir of Ilorin.
Dr. Kolawole Jumaah while delivering lecture titled ‘The Importance Of Fidau’, at 8th day firdau prayer encouraged the children of late Alhaja Belawu Sulaiman to engage in humanitarian acts, such as provision of water to communities in need, scholarship to indigent students, empowerment of the less privileged in the society among others, to serve as ongoing charity and attract reward and Allah’s mercy for their late mother.
Dr. Jumaah charged the families of the deceased to continue to unite themselves and sustain the legacies of late Alhaja Belawu Sulaiman.
While speaking with newsmen, Professor AbdulRafiu Olawale Sulaiman, described his late mother, Alhaja Belawu as a beacon of love, kindness, generosity to everyone around her and the community in general.
Professor Wale Sulaiman who noted that the memory of their late mother will forever remain in their heart, added that her legacy of faith and kindness will be their guide in life.
In a remark, the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahaya Alebiosu expressed appreciation to everyone who graced the occasion and those that contributed to the success of the fidau prayer.
Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, passionately thanked all the traditional rulers in Kwara South for turning out in large numbers to the 8th days fidau prayer for Late Alhaja Belawu Sulaiman.
“Alhaja Belawu Omotolarin Akanke Sulaiman was a pillar in our community, known for her kindness and generosity. We will miss her dearly, but we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy will live on.” He added.
On his part, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Kwara State All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman said he is honored to witness the gathering to pay his respects to the late Alhaja.
“She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many, and her memory will continue to inspire us.” He said.
The Fidau prayer was also marked by donations to support the renovation of Ajase-Ipo central Mosque.
Prince Sunday Fagbemi donated N500,000, while His Royal Majesty, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu also donated N500,000 to support the renovation of the mosque.
Our correspondent report that other dignitaries present included Mallam Lukman Olayiwola Mustapha, Otunba of Oro Ago Kingdom; Hon. Ganeeyu Zubair; Hon. Khaleel Bolaji; Hon. Saheed Popoola; Prof. Yusuf Laolu Ali SAN; Prof. Ishaq Olayede, Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB); and Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, All first class and majority of kings from Irepodun.
Also include, Hon. Yinka Dallas, Igbomina Youth Assembly, Members of Women In Politics, Kwara South Reliable Forum, Kwara South Youth Development Organization KWAYORG representative, and among others.
