By Babatunde Kaka

It was a fitting farewell to Alhaja Mulikat Onibon as friends and well-wishers from far and near graced venue of the 8th day Fidau prayers of the illustrious daughter of Epe.

The Fidau which was held in honour of the late Iyaloja of Epe Division and Iya Sunnah of First Epe Central Mosque, Oke-Balogun, took place at one of Epe’s historic site, Marina Waterfront. The natural river environment provided the much needed breezy atmosphere for guests while the sun shone brightly.

As customary for the Ulamas to officiate the Fidau prayers, the opening prayer session was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, represented by Sheikh Chief Imam Saba. While the Chief Imam of Ita-Opo Central Mosque, represented by Alhaji Ikleel Ajanifuja recited the Khutba, The Oniwaasi of Epe Kingdom, Alhaji Abdulkabir Ekemode proceeded with the fidau prayer with the permission of the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Alhaji Fadeelatul Sheikh Abiola Sadala. Alhaji Akeusola Balogun, Deputy Chief Imam, Zumuratul Islamiyyah Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Sulaimon, Chief Imam Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Epesanmi, NASFAT Mission Board Members amongst many Others were present.

The Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, Sheikh Abiola Sadala in his message urged the gathering to emulate the life of the late Iya Sunnah of First Epe Central Mosque. Other eminent Imams and Alfas seated took turns to pray for the repose of the soul of a mother who’s discipline, love, entrepreneurship dexterity and compassion earned her children lofty careers paths.

Also in attendance was Professor Sanni, the Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo. The erudite scholar in his brief lecture testified to the wonderful legacies of Iyaloja-General and appealed to his children to follow in her footsteps.

While several notable members of Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries / Honourables and Local Government Chairmen honoured one of the late Iyaloja’s son, Alhaji Waliyu Onibon, Eko Hot Blog reports that Governing Council Members, Management Team, Staff and Students of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education Noforija-Epe, stormed the venue in a show of love to the Provost of the
College, Associate Professor Nosiru Onibon.

Members of Academic and Non-Academic staff from Lagos State University LASU, Lagos State Polytechnic, LASPOTECH and Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, AOCOED were also represented.

Political associates, traditional chiefs, opinion leaders, market associations, religious organisations were also not left out.
Some of the notable names in this bracket are Hon. Adedoyin Adesanya, Epe Local Government Chairman, Olori Aribike Adewale, Olori OluEpe of Epe Kingdom, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu, APC GAC member, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, Member representing Epe Constituency II, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Onanuga Samson, Chairman, Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Alhaja Bankole, APC State Welfare Officer, Alhaji Odeyemi WASTAB, Chief Odedeogboro, Baale Arapasou, Chief Wale Mogaji amongst many others.

The indelible legacies left behind by Alhaja Mulikat Onibon formed a thematic preoccupation of the event, with many testifying to her industry, compassion, wisdom and trading prowess which gave her prominence within Epe commercial landscape and beyond..

As the event came to a close, the children of the deceased expressed heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the entire Onibon family for the unflinching support and affection shown to the family. It was gathered that guests from all works of life were thereafter treated to scrumptious delicacies.

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