By Bukola Adama and Kayode Adeoti
The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, yesterday, led several dignitaries including members of his cabinet, party stalwarts and traditional rulers to Ijara-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of the state for the fidau of former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Yusuf Ayedun.
Ayedun who lost his battle against kidney disease at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital last Sunday at the age of 80, was buried according to Islamic injunctions at his Ijara-Isin home town, the following day.
It was reported that Ayedun was flown to Egypt at a time for treatment but returned to the country in March 2017.
The prayer for the repose of the soul of Ayedun (Fidau) was held at Community LGEA Primary School, Ijara-Isin.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of College of Education, Ilorin, Alhaji Ali Bello, enjoined Muslims to adhere strictly to the doctrines of Islam, warning that everyone would account for their deeds on the day of judgement.
“Everyone has an appointed time to leave this world, so, we must continue to act and relate with people in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran.”
Bello, who described the departed Ayedun as one who led a life worthy of emulation, enjoined the family to sustain the good values left by their patriarch.
The cleric prayed to God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family, the fortitude to bear the loss.
Meanwhile, the family of late Ayedun and the Onijara of Ijara, Oba Omoniyi Banigbe have called for the immortalisation of the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman.
According to the eldest son of the deceased, Raheem Kunle Ayedun, “My father has done so much in Kwara politics hence deserves to be immortalised by naming a project after him in his community.”
He stated that Ayedun’s impact can never be over-emphasised in Kwara South politics, adding that the children have agreed to establish a project in memory of their beloved father.
“It is important Baba is immortalised. We wish government can do something fast in his memory, but on our part, we will do our best to ensure his memory lives with us forever.
“He was very religious and a politician with a difference and one trusted by all his followers. He was a man who spoke the truth always and that he instilled in us his children.”
Also speaking, Oba Omoniyi Banigbe said the late Ayedun is a figure in the state that must be immortalised with a monumental project.
In his words, “We urge government to establish a project in his name and that could be in form of tertiary institution or a branch of it, the monarch said, adding that the late Ayedun was not only a politician but a community leader who will be sorely missed.
In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Ijara-Isin Development Council, Alhaji Sulyman Madandola described the deceased as a rare gem who showed uncommon zeal towards the development of his hometown. He recalled how Ayedun donated the largest amount in 1978 for the establishment of Ijara-Isin Comprehensive High School.
Among the personalities that attended Ayedun’s fidau are; APC Chairman in the state, Hon Ishola Balogun-Fulani, Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Engr Musa Yeketi, Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape and Hon Kamaldeen Fagbemi. Also, in attendance were; APC Senatorial Chairmen from Kwara South, Central and North; Alhaji Jimoh Balogun, Alhaji Jimoh Adesina and Alhaji Isiaka Oniwa, Hon Sikirat Anako, Alhaji Abdulraheem Adisa and former commissioner, Alhaji Saka Onimago. Others were; MD/Editor-in-Chief of National Pilot Newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola and former chief press secretary to the immediate past governor in the state, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe.
