Date: 2021-10-19

Ruling and opposition politicians in Kwara State for the first time in a while sat together despite their differences.

The occasion was the 10th anniversary prayer for the late matriarch of the Shagaya family, Alhaja Batuli Ajobi, held in Ilorin.

The late Ajobi was a successful community leader and trader during the Third Republic.

The prayer, which was attended by dignitaries from across the country was hosted by the children of billionaire oil magnate, Alhaja Muinat Shagaya.

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq led other dignitaries to the event.

The roll call include the Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Development Studies, Prof Suleiman Abubakar; former PDP National Secretary, Alhaji Kawu Baraje; newly elected Kwara APC chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, former Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; Hon. Moshood Mustapha and Hon. Amuda Kannike

Other top dignitaries were Ola Olu Ali (SAN), Adelodun Adebayo (SAN), Vice Chancellor, Kwara State University, Prof Mustapha Akanbi, former DG, Nigeria Broadcasting Comm Commission (NBC), Mallam Kawu Modibbo, and former Nigeria Ambassador to the Netherlands, Nimota Akanbi.

In his sermon, Lagos-based Sheikh Habeebullah el-Ilory said the Shagaya family was foremost in the religious, socioeconomic and political developments in the state.

He enjoined the scions to sustain their philanthropic works to continue to immortalise their forebears in the interest of the state.

"The Shagaya Family is known for business, industry, and philanthropy.

"The late Hajia Batuli Ajoke lived a virtuous life with success in business. Above all, she was a great and kind mother to all whose love for children and Islamic and western education was remarkable. These are great values that must not die.

"The children and grandchildren of Alhaja Batuli have started well and are urged to sustain the path,'' he said.

He described Sheriff Shagaya and his siblings as pride of the emirate. His good works, he noted, especially with the Salman Shagaya Foundation was remarkable.

He urged him to continue to touch the lives of the downtrodden, particularly in Kwara and humanity in general.