Family members, colleagues, union leaders and sympathisers on Wednesday converged on Adigbe, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the 8th-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the late union chairman, Comrade Alhaji Basheer Ayobamiji Obabiyi.
The prayer session, organised by the deceased’s family in collaboration with Islamic clerics, drew a large turnout of relatives, friends and labour associates who gathered to seek Allah’s forgiveness for the late unionist and pray for the continued wellbeing of his family.
The gathering featured Qur’anic recitations and dua led by Islamic scholars, who prayed for the repose of his soul and asked Allah to admit him into Aljanat Firdaus. They also urged the family to sustain acts of charity and supplication on his behalf.
Speaking at the ceremony, the deceased’s first son, Abdul-Matin Obabiyi, described the loss of his father as devastating, noting his lifelong commitment to family responsibility and unity.
“He laboured to sow fruits that he did not live to eat. He was the best father in the world,” he said. “He brought us together, ensured we were all educated, and never failed in his responsibilities. May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus.”
His wife, Mrs. Omoyeni Lawal Obabiyi, also paid tribute, describing him as a dependable and compassionate partner whose guidance extended beyond the family.
“I will miss everything about him,” she said, urging clerics to intensify prayers for the deceased and asking Allah to preserve their children and grant them long life.
The deceased’s daughter, Nimotalahi Obabiyi, said her father’s passing left a deep vacuum in the family, adding that his values must be upheld by the children he left behind.
“No one can fill the space he left behind,” she said. “We must remain united as a family and uphold everything he stood for. His death came too early.”
Also present at the prayer was his youngest child, six-year-old Abdul-Ramon Obabiyi, alongside his mother, who described the late union leader as caring and consistently present in their lives, despite his busy schedule. She prayed for divine protection over the child.
The lead cleric at the event commended the family for conducting a peaceful and orderly Fidau prayer, describing the gathering as reflective of the deceased’s values.
“This is a religious family,” he said. “We encourage them to continue in prayers and charity on behalf of the departed, as it benefits him in the hereafter.”
Colleagues and labour associates also paid glowing tributes, describing Obabiyi as a fearless advocate for workers’ rights and a committed unionist who consistently prioritised collective welfare over personal interest.
One of the attendees said, “He always stood to fight any battle for his colleagues. His sacrifice to FMCA is incomparable. He carried everyone’s problems as his own with transparency and accountability.”
A fellow unionist, Comrade Taiwo Tiamiyu, described him as a mentor and dependable ally in labour struggles.
“We fought many battles together. He was always at the forefront. He was a principled leader. I will miss everything we shared. May Allah forgive him,” he said.
Speakers at the event also recalled that the late chairman allegedly faced career setbacks, including being denied promotion on multiple occasions, due to his outspoken stance against perceived injustice in the workplace.
In a separate tribute, Comrade Omotara Nurudeen Olawale, Publicity Secretary of SSAUTHRIAI, described his death as a huge loss to the labour movement, noting that his integrity and courage set him apart.
He urged union members and associates to emulate the late chairman’s dedication to service, forgiveness and truth.
It was further recalled that Obabiyi reportedly declined financial assistance from the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, shortly before his death, insisting he did not want sympathy to be misinterpreted after his passing.
The ceremony ended with renewed prayers, as family members and union leaders pledged to uphold his legacy of courage, solidarity and service to humanity.
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