Details Of Former Kwara SSG, Saka Isau’s Burial * Who is who at the ceremony * Saraki, others Mourns
By Omowumi Omotosho
A former Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Saka Isau, SAN, was laid to rest in Ilorin on Sunday following his death on Saturday. The burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, took place at his residence behind Admiralty Villa in the state capital.
The janazah drew a host of notable Nigerians, including the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede; the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN; the Principal Partner of Ghalid Chambers, Professor Yusuf Ali, SAN; and the immediate past Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Durosinlohun Kawu. Others present included Justice Lambo Alanbi, Justice Orilonise, and prominent community leaders such as the Danmadami of Ilorin, Alhaji Shehu Gafar; the Danmasani of Ilorin, Alhaji Engr. Sulyman Alapansapa; and KWASU Don, Professor Hamza Abdulraheem.
Prominent figures such as the Talba of Ebira, Alhaji Hamza; former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; and former Chief Press Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Wahab Oba, also joined legal professionals, academics, and politicians to honour the late legal luminary.
Adding to the tributes, the President of the 8th Nigeria Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, also expressed shock and sadness over Isau’s passing. In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki described the late Isau as a patriot whose experience and influence were still highly needed.
“I received with shock the passing away of Alhaji Saka Abimbola Isau, SAN. It is sad that death took him at a time when we need his experience and personal influence to steer the ship of our party and the community to greater heights,” Saraki said.
The former Senate President lauded Isau’s loyalty, passion, and tireless service to humanity. “Late Isau was loyal, passionate, and tireless in his service to humanity. While he’ll be sorely missed, we take solace in his good deeds while he was alive,” he added.
In the same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State mourned the passing of their distinguished elder. In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the party described the late Isau as a man of immense integrity and dedication.
“The late Alhaji Saka Isau (SAN) was a distinguished legal luminary and politician whose unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and service left an indelible mark on Adewole community and Kwara State at large. His passing is a huge loss not only to the PDP family but to the entire state. The people of Adewole and Kwara State will sorely miss his statesmanlike contributions, wisdom, and humility,” the statement read.
The party extended condolences to the family of the deceased, the Adewole community, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Kwara State Chapter, and others positively impacted by his exemplary life. “We urge his family, associates, and the people of Kwara to take solace in the impactful life he lived, his numerous accomplishments in the legal profession, and his dedication as a distinguished public servant,” it added.
On his part, the former Speaker of the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, reflected on the loss of the late Saka Isau, describing him as a significant figure in both the political and legal spheres.
Ahmad expressed deep sorrow over Isau’s passing, noting that his absence would be profoundly felt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Adewole community, and the legal field. He emphasized that Isau’s leadership, intellectual contributions, and influence would be sorely missed.
“We have lost a renowned son and reputable arbitrator in the late Alhaji Saka Isau,” he stated.
He asked Allah to accept the return of the late PDP chieftain and place him among the inhabitants of Aljanatul Firdaus.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also joined the numerous voices mourning the late Saka Isau. In a statement signed by the NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described him as an “extraordinary community leader, legal luminary, and dedicated public servant.”
The NBA highlighted Isau’s legacy as a past Chairman of the NBA Ilorin Branch, Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Former Secretary to the Kwara State Government, lauding his commitment to excellence, service, and the rule of law.
“He was also a devoted father to two of our distinguished colleagues, Dr. Hammed Olatunji Isau and Abdulakeem Femi Isau, whose outstanding contributions to the legal profession are a testament to the values he instilled,” the statement read.
The NBA extended its condolences to the Isau family, the Ilorin Branch of the NBA, and the Government of Kwara State. “Late Saka Isau, SAN, was more than a legal giant; he was a man of integrity, wisdom, and compassion. His leadership, dedication to justice, and profound impact on the lives of many will remain indelibly etched in our hearts and history,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Alhaji Saka Isau, SAN, has left a profound void in Kwara State and beyond. A man of exceptional intellect, integrity, and dedication, his contributions to the legal profession, public service, and community development remain a testament to his remarkable life.
