Dignitaries Storm Osun For Final Fidau Of APC Scribe’s Mother
Njideka Ozoalor
Political heavyweights, traditional rulers, and clerics on Saturday converged on Osun State for the final Fidau prayers and reception in honour of Alhaja Sidikatu Abake Basiru, mother of the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru.
The solemn gathering, held in the heart of Osogbo, drew serving and former governors, ministers, lawmakers, party chieftains, academics, and business leaders who came to pay their last respects and pray for the peaceful repose of the late matriarch.
The event underscored Senator Basiru’s reach within the APC and beyond. Leading the delegation was former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Adebisi Akande.
Three sitting governors were present: Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, and host governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun. They were joined by former governors Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and Abubakar Badaru.
From the federal cabinet, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, were in attendance.
The National Assembly was represented by Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, Hon. Bamidele Salaam, Hon. Maruf Adewale Gangaria, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the APC governorship standard-bearer in Oyo State. From Osun, Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, and former Deputy Governor Chief Grace Titi-Laoye Ponle also graced the occasion.
APC’s governorship candidate in Osun, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and state chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal led the party’s state structure, alongside executive council members and stalwarts.
Traditional rulers added royal presence to the event. The Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, and the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, Oba AbdulRasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, led the monarchs.
The religious rites were conducted by the Grand Imam of Osun State, Sheikh Musa Animashahun, alongside the Mufassir of Osogboland, Sheikh AbdulLateef Yusuf. Members of Ansar-Ud-Deen, NASFAT, Qoreeb, Mubarakah, and FOMWAN joined in prayers.
The Odofin family of Senator Basiru was represented by retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Raheem Odofin and Alhaji Lai Busari.
Other notable guests included former JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, retired Justice Kunle Adeigbe, Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority Engr. Lekan Badmus, the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland Alhaji Khamis Olatunde Badmus, and several Nollywood stars who came to commiserate with the family.
Speakers described Alhaja Basiru as a devout Muslim, community builder, and a mother whose values shaped many of the leaders present. Prayers were offered for forgiveness, mercy, and eternal rest for her soul.
The reception afterwards brought together the APC National Working Committee, members of the Alubarika Movement, associates, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The Fidau marked the end of the mourning rites for the late matriarch, but speakers noted that her legacy of faith, discipline, and service would continue to resonate within the Basiru family and the wider Osun community.
