The year 2017 may be gone but for some households and communities, they will continue to remember 2017 as the year they lost their hero, breadwinners and benefactors. Here is a recap of the major deaths in Kwara State from pioneer General manager of Harmony FM, Yusuf Abubakar to foremost industrialist Chief Emmanuel Adesoye.
Yusuf Abubakar: The media industry was thrown into mourning following the passing of the pioneer General Manager of Harmony FM, Idofian, Mallam Yusuf Abubakar at the age of 65.
Abubakar who died after a brief illness on September 31, 2017 was buried at the Ilorin Muslim Cemetery.
Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye: The Olomu of Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Charles Ibitoye joined his ancestors on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the age of 64 after a brief illness. The passing of Olomu was announced by the Petu of Omu-Aran, Chief Festus Awoniyi. The retired civil servant with the Ministry of Finance is survived by his wife, Olori Omowunmi and four children.
Alhaji Mahmoud Akanbi Elelu: Alhaji Elelu, the father of Kwara State Polytechnic Rector, Ilorin, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu died on Friday 3rd November, 2017 at the age of 100. The fidau for Elelu was largely attended by people from government circle and the academics. He was survived by 24 children.
Dapo Idowu: Dapo Idowu, a domestic aide of Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki slumped during a regular exercise and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Maitama Hospital, Abuja on Saturday, November 25, 2017. The 65-3ear-old is survived by his wife, Mrs. Yetunde Idowu and three children.
Before joining Saraki sometimes in 2011, Dapo worked for many years in the banking industry.
Alhaji Yusuf Ayedun: Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, Alhaji Yusuf Aiyedun, died Sunday July 16, 2017 and his remains were interred the following day at Oke-Igunsi compound in Ijara-Isin, Isin local government amid glowing tributes and tears by mourners.
He died at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) at the age of 80 after a protracted battle with kidney disease. Ayedun was reportedly flown to Egypt and brought back to the state in March, 2017 for treatment.
The deceased is survived by wives and children including former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Akeem Ayedun.
Alhaji Woli Alasinrin: Alasinrin, who is a foremost contractor and real estate investor with property in choice areas in Kaduna, Jos, Zaria and Ilorin died on December 21, 2017 after a brief illness.
He was said to be in his 80s and is survived by his wives and 34 children.
Hon Hammed Giwa (Elefo): Former lawmaker of the 7th Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon Hamidu Giwa Afolabi (Elefo) died Sunday September 17 at the age of 64.
His remains were buried the following day September 18, 2017 in Reke, Afon Local Government Area of the state.
Elefo was said to have died on his way to Denik hospital, Oja-Iya area Ilorin after reportedly complaining of mild uneasiness in his body system.
The deceased is survived by wife and children. Until his death, Elefo was the National President of Association of Micro Finance Institution of Nigeria and also served as Chairman of Asa Local Government and member Governing Council of Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS).
Sumaila Sadiq A former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Barr Sumaila Sadiq died early hours of Friday, September 16, 2017 after a brief illness at the age of 80.
He died at his residence, Ologbin compound, Omoda llorin, the Kwara State capital.
He occupied the position of Speaker between October and December 31, 1983 and was elected on the platform of the defunct National Party of Nigeria and represented Ilorin Constituency.
He was also Special Adviser on Security to former governor, Adamu Attah and is survived by two wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Sheikh Abdulkadri Ahmad Alaye: The founder of JamiuIyatu Falie Alkamali Islamic School, Sheikh Alaye died Sunday February 25, 2017 at the age of 95.
The popular cleric is survived by two wives and several children including an employee of Radio Kwara, Hammed Alaye.
Salami Adekunle: A 47-year-old staff of Registrar’s Office, Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Salami Adekunle, was on Thursday, September 21, struck to death by lightning in Oro.
The incident was said to have occurred during a downpour around10am, a few minutes after the deceased arrive the institution alongside three other colleagues
His remains were later interred at a cemetery in Oke-Oyi near midnight in dramatic fashion after it was earlier rejected at the Muslim Cemetery, Ilorin.
Chief Emmanuel Adesoye: Foremost industrialist and Chartered Surveyor, Chief Emmanuel Adesoye died on Sunday December 3, at the age of 79. He is the founder of the popular Adesoye College Offa, Okin Biscuit, Okin Foam Industry and Noble Brewery Industry.
Born on 25th April 1938, Adesoye was former president Offa Descendants Union (ODU) and the Asiwaju of Offa. He is the first Northern Nigerian Quantity Surveyor and the second Nigerian Quantity Surveyor.
He is survived by his wife and children.
