By Mumini Abdulkareem
Dignitaries on Friday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, converged on the residence of the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed for the Fidau of his late mother, Alhaja Fatimah Adepeju Abio (Iya Kewu) who died penultimate Friday at the age of 105.
The deceased whose janazah was witnessed by a huge crowd of sympathisers was buried at the residence of the Magaji Nda, inside the Emir’s palace.
She was survived by seven children including the Magaji Nda.
The roll call of the dignitaries at the programme which commenced around 10:00am included the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Salih, Imam Imale of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdullahi Abduhamid, Chairman Dawah Committee, Council of Muslim Organisation, Imam Murtala Yusuf Pakata and former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Justice Idris Haroon (retd).
Others include the Balogun Afin of Ilorin, Muhammad Nuhu Yusuf Imam, Chairman, Ilorin Emirate Alangua/Magaji Forum, Alhaji Yusuf Saliu, former Dean of Post Graduate School, University of Ilorin, Prof Lanre Yusuf Badmas, Seriki Nsalama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ayuba Gambari, MD/Editor-in-Chief, National Pilot newspaper, Alhaji Billy Adedamola and Regional Head, North Central, Leadership newspapers, Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin amongst others.
The popular Sheikh Abdulganiy Gbededun gave a short dirge in honour of the deceased during the event.
The fidau which featured various prayers for the forgiveness and repose of the soul of the late mother was coordinated by the Chief Imam.
In his sermon, the Grand Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Dan Borno described the deceased as a pious and religious mother who stood firmly with the royal family while she was alive.
He advised the Magaji Nda to continue to remember his late parents by praying for them always and rally all the family members together irrespective of ties for him to earn the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
While reminding the audience of the important position of parents in Islam and the central place of mothers in the success or otherwise of their children in this world and the hereafter, Dan Borno urged utmost respect for parents whether they are dead or still alive.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after, the Magaji Nda described his late mother as a symbol of religious piety who exemplified goodness even in death as attested to by the number of people the graced the occasion.
He thanked all those that find time to honour the family for the programme despite their tight schedules on Friday adding that Almighty Allah will reward them immensely.
