By Olatidoye Akeem
Prominent traditional rulers, political office holders, community leaders, family members and associates on Monday converged on the Ijomu-Oro Central Mosque in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State for the 25th memorial prayer in honour of late Chief Yesufu Adedoyin.
The late Chief Yesufu Adedoyin, (the father of a former Commissioner for Information and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in Kwara State Oloriewe AbdulRaheem Adedoyin), died on November 24, 2000.
Among the dignitaries present were the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, HRH Oba Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Muhammed Atoloye Alebiosu; the Oloro of Oro Kingdom, HRH Oba Joel Olaniyi Oyatoye Titiloye Olufayo II; member of the House of Representatives for Ekiti/Isin/Irepodun/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulraheem Tunji Olawuyi; the member representing Irepodun at the Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Olushola Odetundun; General Abidoye (rtd); Elder Shuaib Olarewaju; General Manager of The Herald Newspaper, Mr. Yomi Adeboye; Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi (SSA, New Media to the Governor); Hon. Omotayo Awodiji (Development Officer, Irepodun); Provost, Kwara State College of Education, Oro, Professor Aremu Mukaila Ayanda.
Friends, old associates, and well-wishers also joined the family to honour the memory and legacy of the late community icon.
Late Alhaji (Chief) Yesufu Adedoyin was the first and immediate past Oloriewe of Oro Kingdom, Babalaje of Ijomu-Oro, Baba Adinni of Ijomu Oro, and Mogaji Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque. He is remembered for his impactful contributions to religion, education, and community advancement.
The Chief Imam of Ijomu-Oro, Ustaz Bashir Adewara Ibrahim, described the late Adedoyin as a man whose legacy continues to speak decades after his passing. He noted the deceased’s immense contributions to Ansarul Islam Grammar School, Ijomu Oro, urging the congregation to emulate his virtues.
“Late Yesufu lived a fulfilled life and made meaningful history. Today’s gathering is to honour him and pray for Allah’s mercy upon his soul,” the Imam said.
He advised Muslims to honour their parents, uphold righteousness, avoid associating partners with Allah, and continually offer prayers for their departed loved ones. He added that the deceased continues to benefit from acts of charity carried out on his behalf.
The Imam further highlighted Chief Adedoyin’s role as one of those who facilitated the establishment of Ansarul Islam Secondary School in Ijomu Oro, which earned him the honour of being the first Oloriewe of the community.
He described the late Adedoyin as a respected businessman whose lawful ventures extended beyond Nigeria and a strong promoter of sports among children and youths in Ijomu-Oro and Kwara State.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Oro Kingdom, Sheikh Muhammad Taofeek Olamikekan, expressed gratitude to Allah and commended Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adedoyin for sustaining his parents’ memory and good works.
“What AbdulRaheem is doing for his late parents is commendable. Muslims must always remember their parents with prayers,” he said.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the late Chief Yesufu Adedoyin, whose influence and legacy continue to resonate 25 years after his demise.
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji AbdulRaheem Adedoyin expressed profound appreciation to the royal fathers, Islamic faith clerics, community leaders, political figures, captains of industry, friends, and old students of Ansarul Islam Grammar School for honouring the invitation.
He said the calibre of guests present reflects the kind of person his father was during his lifetime—a community leader, an Islamic faith leader, a lover of his people, and a philanthropist.
He described this year’s remembrance as a special one, noting that it was held at the Ijomu-Oro Central Mosque for the first time.
“I am overwhelmed and happy with the calibre of personalities in attendance and the peaceful conduct of the entire programme,” he said.
