By Saliu Woru Mohammed
When the sad news of the demise of the prime mover of the Kwara Politics was broken to the general public via Radio Kwara by the State Government, precisely nine (9) years ago the reality dawned on Kwarans that the great Waziri had passed on.
Nigerians, both the highly and the lowly placed from the presidency to the proletariat have mourned inconsolably; inconsolably because of the gravity of the loss to humanity.
It is doubtful if the political class could easily forget the political kingpin of consensus politics. It is hardly possible if the followers of “Baba Saraki” could easily forget the great leader who had meant so much hope to them. It is a painful struggle for the youths, orphans, widows and poor in the state for them to think of the death of their role model.
The death that took our father, the second republic senate leader away, created a big vacuum and unleashed so much sorrow in the land that psychological balms cannot heal. However, we thank God, a two terms Governor of Kwara State, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, former Senate President has proved to be a good caliph of the leader.
This is because of the great worth of the great leader who came to the world, endured pains to rise and used the proceeds of his toiling to serve humanity.
It is established that every soul shall taste death, why then do we regard this troublesome place as a permanent place of abode? Why should some of our leaders arrogate to themselves the power of Alpha and Omega forgetting that one day that death shall call them home?
However, one is compelled to console all mourners that the death is the last of all mankind and it will come when it would come.
Prophet Noah spent 950 years on earth, yet he died. Prophet Shuaib spent 1,000 years, yet he also died. Other notable prophets of Almighty God were also not spared by death, including the bosom friend of the Almighty Allah, prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
This is why it is incumbent on everyone on earth to have it at the back of their mind that no matter how highly placed or insignificant they are, death would take them home one day. This shows and witness to the words of Almighty God that – “Its from Him everything comes and to Him everything shall all return.”
Our solace is in the useful and selfless life that “Baba” lived. A prince of peace and an outstanding politician, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki dedicated his life to the service of the people. He was a good friend of the commoners who wiped tears from the faces of grieve-stricken folk.
The great late Waziri of Ilorin takes an unequal credit for the political economic and social transformation of Kwara State. He was a rallying point in the unity of Nigeria, a role model and my political mentor.
He was one outstanding politician and leader who saw politics as a means of selfless service to all human kind.
Late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki worked patiently and tirelessly day and night during his lifetime to see the political philosophy he developed cascade up the ladder of political system in the country. He lived the principles of democracy with conventional wisdom and in the process added African values to it.
Our great leader also sowed love, affection and communalism among various communities in the country, particularly in Kwara State.
Through his prodding and political tutoring, he sensitized the grassroot folks into appreciating the values of modern political concept fitted into grassroot terrain.
Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki was the son of late Alhaji Muktar Mustaph Saraki of Agoro Compound, Agbaji Area of Ilorin West Local Government, Kwara State, he died nine years ago at the age of Seventy.
The indomitable, great and ever generous Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki; we say adieu and pray the Almighty Allah to grant you Aljannat Fridaus – Amen.
*Mohammed, Mogaji Nda of Ilorin, Zana of Okuta Emirate, Otun Agba-Akin of Share-land writes from Ilorin.
