Daud Olatunji
In a solemn and heartfelt ceremony, family, friends, and sympathizers gathered to pay their respects and tributes to the late Alhaji Suleimon Adebodun Onabiyi during his eight Days Fidau Prayers on Monday, October 30th, 2023.
The event, held in his hometown at Rex Age Open Field in Ifo, Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, celebrated the life of a man described as a true ‘man of the people’ who left an indelible mark on the community.
Alhaji Onabiyi passed away on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, and was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites at the Ansarul-Deen Cemetery in Lekki, Lagos, on Monday, October 23rd.
The Fidau Prayers, a significant event in Islamic tradition, allowed those who knew him to express their deep admiration and affection for the late Onabiyi.
Among the dignitaries who paid their respects, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, spoke of Alhaji Onabiyi’s unwavering commitment to politics and his trustworthiness within the political arena. He lauded Onabiyi’s dedication to the success of his political party and its candidates.
Former PDP chairman in Ogun State, Chief Joju Fadairo, highlighted Alhaji Onabiyi’s integrity and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Notably, the Ansarul-Deen society in Lagos held their own Fidau Prayers for him on October 29th, 2023, underlining the widespread impact of his life.
Hon. Johnson Fatoki described the late Onabiyi as a political pillar and a goal-oriented individual who made substantial contributions to the political landscape in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
During his lecture, the Mufasir of Ifo Land, Alfa Abdul Wasiu Odebode, called upon the sons and daughters of Ifo to carry forward Alhaji Onabiyi’s legacy of generosity and emphasized the importance of investing in the development of Ifo.
In an emotional moment, the firstborn of the deceased, Alhaja Balikisu Onabiyi Usman, expressed her gratitude for her father’s impactful life, both as a father and as a figure who positively influenced numerous lives. She thanked those who had contributed to the success of the program and took the opportunity to reciprocate the kindness her father had shown to others.
The Fidau Prayers also saw the presence of prominent figures, including the representative of the Olu of Ifo, Oba Samuel Atanda, leader of the Action Alliance in the state, Hon. Dapo Adeyemi, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state,Aare Nurudeen Tunde Alabi, PDP chairman in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirullahi Ogundele, and the Chief Imam of Ifo Land. Additionally, Islamic scholars in Ifo, various political figures from Ogun State, as well as close associates, friends, and family, came together to honor Alhaji Onabiyi’s memory.
The eight days Fidau Prayers provided a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to unite in celebrating the life of Alhaji Suleimon Adebodun Onabiyi and reflect on his enduring legacy of integrity, generosity, and political dedication.
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