By Ndudirim Sylvia Iloka
Prominent political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and dignitaries from across the country converged on Osun State on Saturday to honour the memory of Alhaja Sidikatu Abake Basiru, mother of the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, during her final Fidau prayers and reception.
The event attracted an impressive gathering of APC leaders, serving and former public office holders, academics, business leaders, technocrats, family members and supporters who came to offer prayers and condolences to the Basiru family.
Among those present were former APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Adebisi Akande; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; former Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole.
Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, including Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Bamidele Salaam and Hon. Maruf Adewale Gangaria, as well as the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun. Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Chief Grace Titi-Laoye Ponle, were also among the dignitaries present.
The gathering further featured the APC governorship candidates in Osun and Oyo states, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, alongside party leaders, government officials and respected figures from various sectors.
Traditional institutions were strongly represented, with the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, and the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, Oba AbdulRasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, leading a delegation of traditional rulers to the ceremony.
The Fidau prayers were led by the Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Animashahun, supported by the Mufassir of Osogboland, Sheikh AbdulLateef Yusuf, and other Islamic clerics. Several Muslim organisations, including Ansar-Ud-Deen, NASFAT, Qoreeb, Mubarakah and FOMWAN, joined worshippers in offering prayers for the repose of the deceased.
The ceremony also attracted members of the Osun State Executive Council, APC stakeholders, members of the Alubarika Movement, professional associates, friends and supporters from within and outside Nigeria.
The Fidau prayers provided an opportunity for reflection on the life and legacy of Alhaja Sidikatu Abake Basiru as political associates, community leaders, family members and well wishers gathered to pray for the repose of her soul and express solidarity with the Basiru family.
