By Kehinde Ayantunji
The death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, popularly known as Iya Olobi, mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun on Tuesday brought together arrays of who is who in the society, as they thronged Ilesa, the hometown of the governor to pay their last respect to a woman they all described as a virtuous woman.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was among thousands of dignitaries that thronged the ancient town at the eight day Fida’u prayers for Governor Aregbesola’s late mother, who passed on at 84.
The event held at the Zenabab Resort, Ijebu-jesa road in Ilesa.
Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Oyo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi) and Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) were among the dignitaries.
Others were Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Yusuf Lasun; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh; former Inspector General of Police, Musliu Smith; former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu; APC chieftain, Bisi Akande.
Also among other dignitaries were Royal Fathers, Ministers, Former Governors, Senators, members of House of Representatives and Houses of Assemblies, Captains of Industries, Islamic clerics and Local Government chairmen.
The event, which started at about 1.00 p.m., was marked by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, selected prayers, public lecture by a don and Christian prayers by a cleric.
One of the prayer recitations was offered by Ahmad Suleiman, who accompanied Mr. Ganduje to the event.
A don and Chief Imam of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Taofeek Abdulhamid, in his lecture, called on the living to always remember that anything with a beginning, including life and political office, would have an ending.
He advised that as mourners remembered the late Mrs. Aregbesola they should strive to mend their own lives so that they would inherit eternal life.
He said that people should learn to honour time, including their time on earth, as a sensible act, not to miss their way to the glorious end.
The don further urged political office holders to see their positions as an opportunity to serve the people, adding that good followership also would correct leaders and make them accountable for the country.
The event also witnessed cultural dance performances, climaxed with wining and dining.
