…his last moments
* What we’ll miss about him – Family, associate
By Ahmed Ajikobi and Oladimeji Ajibade
The Ilorin community was thrown into mourning as one of the premium lawyers, writer and title holder in Ilorin, Alhaji Safi Jimba breathed his last at his family residence, Jimba’s compound, Ita-Kure area of Ilorin West Local Government Area, around 7am on Tuesday.
Jimba, was until his death the Samaki of Ilorin and a columnist with National Pilot Newspaper. In several editions, the gifted writer schooled readers of the publication on ‘Brief court decisions on civil wrongs.’
The Janazah for Jimba on Tuesday was largely attended by men from all walks of life, including legal luminaries, community leaders and politicians.
The Janazah was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Bashir Soliu Mohammed and supported by the Imam Imale, Alhaji Hameed Abdullahi.
Speaking on the last moments of the deceased, his son, Musibau Jimba said, “my father had earlier given some files to my sister to treat but she later asked me to collect the remaining files from him and bring to the office today (Tuesday).
“Also, my father asked my sister to give me money to buy newspapers for him which was his usual practice.
“But when I knocked on his door and said Salam Alaekun, there was no response from him, I repeated the action and yet there was no response, so I opened the door and met his eyes opened with his rosary (tesbew) in his hand. “I knew something was wrong when I greeted him and he did not answer. I tried to see if I could revive him but he eventually breathe his last around 7am today (Tuesday).
Meanwhile, the family and associates of the deceased described his passing as shocking and a great loss to the Ilorin Emirate.
For Prof Mashood Mahamud Jimba, his uncle was a committed community leader and devoted Muslim.
“The Samaki of Ilorin was one of the foremost authors who wrote beautifully about Ilorin. He was passionate about Ilorin and Islam. He was also a great lawyer and human right activist.
He lived for the truth and was a great historian.
“I will not forget his passion for writing and the encouragement he gave me to write. Writing is what I will miss him for most,” he said.
Also, Barrister Saka Isau, SAN, who said he had known Jimba for about four decades, described him as an outstanding and committed lawyer while alive.
According to him, the deceased, was the one who covered Offa then as the chief magistrate.
“Whenever Safi Jimba writes about Ilorin, he will make it look as if one has never read anything about Ilorin before. “The community and the legal profession will miss him.”
In his remarks, Justice Sulaiman Akanbi said the Samaki of Ilorin was a special creation who was well known by the people as a dedicated Muslim.
“He took his profession seriously. We are going to miss his unquantifiable advice and uncommon experience. We should all emulate him.”
In his words, the Magaji Erubu, Dr Subair Erubu said the deceased was not only a foremost lawyer but an educationist. “He was like a Pillar to those of us that grew up in the 60s and 70s. Baba was a great man. “While alive, he never missed his current affairs and he never stopped learning. We learnt everything from him,” Erubu stated.
Also, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe, the former chief press secretary to ex-governor, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the late Safi Jimba developed Ilorin community with his God-given talents.
“If you have the opportunity to go through the books Baba wrote, you will be motivated and proud to have come from this community.”
Adebimpe, who prayed for the repose of the soul of the Octogenarian, added that, “The work he left behind will continue to be our guide.”
Safi Jimba who died at the age of 80 is survived by wife, children and grandchildren.
