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The eighth day Fidau prayer for the repose of late Alhaja Mariam Olusi, the deceased wife of Afenifere chieftain and chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi (OON), was held on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Harbour Point 4, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Alhaja Olusi died on October 14, 2023 at the age of 77.
President Bola Tinubu, a close associate of the widower was represented by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event.
First lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was represented by Princess Adu while Oba Rilwanu Akiolu I, was represented by Lagos White Cap Chiefs.
Other dignitaries in attendance include former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, represented by Mr Kehinde Afolabi; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde and former deputy governors of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro and Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefilure.
Also, Secretary, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Senator Anthony Adefuye; son of late Pa Abraham Adesanya, Hon Bayo Abraham-Adesanya; Sen Ganiyu Olarenwaju Solomon (GOS), Alhaja Jakande, Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), Alhaja Eshinlokun, representative of Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu–Ojo, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa and Hon Jumoke Okoya-Thomas graced the occasion.
Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abu Nalla, who offered the opening prayer, led prominent Imams and the Muslim community to the event.
Adkhar were read by team of Imams from Musibaudeen Islamic Center. Holy Quaran was read by Waali Shittu Kosoko while lecture was given by Professor Kabir Olawale Paramole, Head of Department of Religious and Peace Studies, Lagos State University and Chief Missionary, Jejewiyyat in Nigeria and Overseas.
The civil society organisations were represented by Comrade Awa Bamiji,
Comrade Lanleyin Olasunkanmi, Comrade Ador Somto Michelle, Comrade Lekan Agboola and Comrade Ibrahim Musa.
Prince Olusi, who couldn’t hold back his tears, was completely overwhelmed by the support and honour bestowed on him by the numerous guests that attended the Fidau prayer.
Citation of late Alhaja Olusi, Nee Bisiriyu Giwa of Igbore Abeokuta, showcasing her life and times as well as her oriki were equally read during the programme.
Delivering President Tinubu’s speech, Sanwo-Olu appreciated the contribution of everyone, prayed for the breaved family and offered special prayer for peace in Middle East amid the ongoing Isreal and Palestine War.
Sanwo-Olu spoke about how workable modalities could be used in ensuring that the Islamic and Christian Religious Studies, which centred on aggressive recruitment of religious studies’ teachers and introduction of incentives, are not forgetten in both primary and secondary schools in states.
He described the large turnout of guests at the occasion as unprecedented in the history of Lagos State.
Grandson of the deceased, Teslim Olusi, gave the vote of thanks while the closing prayer was offered by Sheikh Imam Tijani Olubodun Gbadamosi, Olori Ratibi of Lagos State.