Oloye Lives On: Mammoth Crowd Gather as Saraki Family, Political Associates, Agbaji Community, Well-wishers Hold Prayers To Mark 12 Years Passing of Patriarch, Olusola Saraki  . * I still feel his influence in my life, guiding me in ways I could never have predicted – Bukola 

By Omowumi Omotosho and Bamidele Aremu

Ilofa Road in GRA, Ilorin, was the heartbeat of Kwara state on Thursday, as hundreds of admirers, family members, and political heavyweights converged to commemorate the 12th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Olusola Saraki.

The residence of the revered patriarch was transformed into a place of reverence and remembrance, as dignitaries from across Nigeria paid tribute to the man whose influence still reverberates through the land.

The event, which began at 9 a.m. and was anchored by a popular master of ceremony, Alhaji Sheu Aliyu Oniguguru, featured the presence of top dignitaries and political luminaries.

Present were the late Oloye’s politically prominent children, Bukola and Gbemisola Saraki.

Other notable attendees included the Kwara State PDP Executive Council led by Party Chairman Rt. Hon. Mohammed Babatunde, Honorable Ali Ahmad, Shettima of Ilorin, Alhaji Saka Onimago. Members of the PDP House of Assembly, Agbaji Women Association, PDP Women’s Wing, Former Executive Chairman, Kwara Local Government Service Commission, Hajia Sarat Adebayo, former Kwara House of Assembly member, Honorable Nimota Ibrahim, former Kwara House of Assembly member, Honorable Sikirat Anako and the late Alhaji Maja’s family.

Amidst the gathering of prominent figures, President of the 8th Nigeria Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki, spoke with heartfelt emotion as he reflected on his father’s unparalleled legacy.

Dr. Saraki who was joined by his wife, Barr. Toyin Saraki, as he honored his father’s memory said: “Twelve years ago, my father, Oloye, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, passed away. In those twelve years, I have come to realize that when someone like him leaves, they are never truly gone; the impact of their lives echoes through ours in ways that shape us and guide us — sometimes in ways that we do not always understand.

“Today, as I look back, I am deeply grateful for the years I had with him. I still feel his influence in my life, guiding me in ways I could never have predicted. I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) will continue to grant him a place amongst the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.”

The remembrance event wasn’t just a gathering—it was an outpouring of respect and admiration that transcended boundaries. Chief Imam of Ilorin, Dr. Muhammad Bashir Soliu, led the fidau prayers, with distinguished clerics like Imam Imonle, Sheikh Abdullhahi Abdullameed, Imam Gamabari, Sheikh Abdulazeez Gambari, Ajanasi Agba, Sheikh Bature, Sheikh Murtala Olopoewa and other notable clerics offering blessings for Baba Saraki’s soul and his family.

The gathering took a reflective turn as Sheikh Suleiman Danboronu opened the lectures with a call to emulate the virtues of the late Saraki, whose philanthropic deeds, especially in the realms of education and community support, have left an indelible mark.

Also, Sheikh Buhari Omo Musa and Sheikh Abdulrasaq Aduagba echoed these sentiments, with Sheikh Musa praising Saraki’s compassion.

Likewise, Sheikh Aduagba commended the Saraki family for sustaining their patriarch’s legacy, especially Dr. Bukola Saraki’s notable contributions.

“We all can testify to how Baba Saraki has brought development to education through his support to secondary schools in Kwara. He supported many who he did not even know their background.

“It is great to know that the family is sustaining the good works. I’m proud to see how Dr Bukola Saraki has emulated Baba as a governor, as Senate President, and even as an independent citizen out of political office.

“In the education sector, he is the brain behind Kwara State University, KWASU, Aviation College and many more,”

In a show of the late Saraki’s enduring spirit of generosity, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki distributed food items, clothes, and cash to women at Ile Arugbo following the fidau prayers. The distribution, held at the famous Ile Arugbo along Ilofa Road, was organized to honor the late sage’s 12th memorial anniversary.

The coordinator of Ile Arugbo, Alhaja Afusat, led the distribution and ensured orderliness throughout. Women sang praises of the late Saraki, expressing gratitude and admiration for Dr. Bukola Saraki’s commitment to upholding his father’s legacy of care and compassion. They described Baba Oloye’s philanthropy as unparalleled, especially his commitment to the welfare of elderly women.

Prayers filled the air as beneficiaries called upon Allah for the continued repose of his soul and blessings upon the family, keeping the memory of the “Oloye” alive in their hearts.

Meanwhile, as part of the 12th-year remembrance of the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, the Agbaji Descendants Association(ADA) under the leadership of Dr. Yunus Abdulkadir Lasiele also held a special prayer session and distribution of Palliative to members at the Agoro compound, Agbaji Ilorin, Kwara State

The prayer had the attendance of Imam Nuru Abbas, Chief Imam Agbaji of Ilorin, Sheikh Abubakar Hakeeb Imam, Imam Saraki Adeta, and other notable Islamic scholars as the Agbaji Community Imam led other clerics in the prayer for the soul of Olusola Saraki.

In his sermon, the Chairman of ADA’s Mission Board, Alhaji Sheikh Faruq Kamaldeen Ataragba, stressed the importance of living a modest life and that the late Saraki was an embodiment of modesty and humility. He described the late Saraki dynasty’s patriarch as a generous individual who derived pleasure in selfless services that are worthy of emulation.

Speaking with National Pilot at the event, the President of Agbaji Descendants Association, . Lasiele expressed gratitude to the almighty God over the life of the late Olusola Saraki. He further stated that the prayer session and palliative distribution were a way of remembering all the good deeds of Dr. Olusola Saraki and a way of continuing his legacy.

“We thank God for this program. It was scheduled and planned for some time ago that immediately we reached the 12th anniversary, we would do the remembrance prayer for Dr. Olusola Saraki, and it came to reality; we thank God. The purpose of this Palliative is to continue with the good deeds of the great philanthropist of our time, Dr. Olusola Saraki. That’s what he has been doing when he was alive, but now that he is no more, we believe that we can also continue his good deeds, and we pray that God will continue to be pleased with him,” he said.

The prayer and 12th remembrance anniversary are a clear indication that the legacy of Dr. Olusola Saraki remains a beacon of inspiration. The family’s dedication to his vision for Nigeria, led by Dr. Bukola Saraki, is seen by many as an enduring commitment to the betterment of Kwara and the nation.

In every corner of Ilofa road in GRA Ilorin, the spirit of “Oloye” was palpable—a legacy, not just remembered, but celebrated by all who were present.