Kunle Adelabu
It was yet another round of commendations and eulogies for the late Alhaji Abideen Olukayode Anifowoshe, one of the Apex leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as politicians and religious leaders paid glowingly tributes to the life and times of the late party leader.
The tributes were made at the 8th day fidau prayer for the late politician who died at the age of 82 years.
The event, which was held at the deceased’s Ipakodo country home, was attended by several political leaders, government functionaries, party members, families and friends.
At the event were Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries, who is representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, Chairman, House Committee on Defense and the Representative, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, Chairman, Nigerian Majority Leaders Forum and Majority Leader, Lagos Assembly representing Ikorodu Constituency I and Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA.
The Chief Imam, Ikorodu West LCDA, Alhaji Mushafau Aridegbe Kosoko, presided over the fidau prayer and was supported by Chief Imam Ipakodo Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Saheed.
In his lecture, Imam Imam Sikiru Ibuowo, Imam, Olorunnishola Mosque, Ipakodo, charged other politicians to emulate the life and times of late Alhaji Anifowoshe who he described as a good religious man, politician and community leader.
While stating that others should learn from his death, the guest lecturer added that no matter what people spent their time acquiring on earth with their positions, they would not go with anything after their death.
Alhaji Ibuowo also charged the children of deceased not to let their father’s position within the Ipakodo Muslim organisation and Ipakodo community remain vacuum.
In his goodwill message during the prayer session, Lagos Majority Leader, Hon. Agunbiade, described late Alhaji Anifowoshe as an upright leader whom he held in high esteem.
“He was a trustworthy man and not a politician that lies to aspirants and people”, he said.
He recalled an encounter he had with the late political leader where he told him unequivocally why he would not support his political aspiration at a particular time.
“I can recall that Baba called at a particular time and told me his mind concerning my aspiration. Baba, who had been supporting me at every election called me and said that he would not give me his support at the time because he had another aspirant whom he must support because of the aspirant’s late father’s relationship with him”, he recalled.
“That made me respect him the more, Hon. Agunbiade added.
Alhaji Badru Enifeni, Secretary, APC Apex body, Ikorodu Division, said that he has known the late Anifowoshe since the era of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC), when they were both in NRC.
He also described the late leader whom he said was his State Secretary in another political group, as a steadfast politician and always stood by the truth.
Hon. Jide Banjoko, former Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, said that the late political leader was a leader and father to all who stood by him when everyone else abandoned him in his attempt to return to the office.
Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, also said that the deceased was a forthright, sincere and loyal man.
“I will not be able to hold back my tears if I start recalling our late leader. He was loyal to his Mandate Group and party and those he knew like my mother.
“Baba led The Mandate Group to endorse and supported my chairmanship aspiration which culminated into my emergence as the Council Chairman.
“Baba detested mediocrity and cannot stand anyone that is not upright. He is done with you once he discovers that you are lying.
“I will miss his candid advice”, Hon. Sulaimon said.
Other dignitaries at the prayer were Prince Adegboyega Oyebola (Ologijo), APC leader, Ikorodu West LCDA, Mr Femi Agbi, former APC Chairman, Ikorodu West LGA, Arch. Taiwo Kara, APC leader, Otunba Bayo Lawson, APC Chairman, Ikorodu West LGA, Hon. Jimoh Fathiu Salisu, former Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Captain Benson, APC leader, Ikorodu West LCDA, Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Adeola Muhydeen jokomba, former Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, Director General, iCare Foundation, Mr Yommy Shopitan, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Maritime Matters, Alhaja Aluko, APC leader, Ikorodu West LCDA, Princess Adunnmi Oyefusi, former Executive secretary, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Segun Aluko, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu west LCDA, Hon. Ameen Apanisile, Vice Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA and Hon. Kabir Femi Kareem, Vice Chairman, Ijede LCDA.
Late Alhaji Abideen Anifowoshe is survived by wives and 11 children, two of whom are abroad.
