By_ Babatunde Kaka
Family members, friends and well-wishers, yesterday July 7th 2021, paid their last respect to prominent Epe son, Habeeb Uthman, who died on June 29th following a tragic battle with heart failure.
Habeeb’s son, Abdul.
This was on the occasion of the 8th day Fidau Prayer held in honour of the late talent manager at the Epe Recreation Center, with prominent Islamic Clerics in attendance.
Habeeb Uthman, also known as Obama DMW rose to fame following his association with ace Nigerian musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido in a closely-knit music family which is frequently referred to as 30BG (30 Billion Gang).
Habeeb died on June 29th at Ever-care Hospital, Lekki, Lagos. Having driven himself to the hospital, the father of one gave up the ghost following what was reported as “breathing problems.” He was buried in Epe on June 30th according to Islamic rites.
The gathering, organised by Epe youths provided the opportunity for his friends, family and well-wishers to attest to the peacable and benevolent life of the deceased. Notably, both Alhaji Sheikh Abiola Sad’ala, the Grand-Chief Imam, First Epe central Mosque and his counterpart, Alhaji Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Ayeogbaro, the Grand Chief Imam, Epe Central Mosque, Ita-Opo, were full of praise for the late Habeeb as he was said to be instrumental in brokering peace amongst various youth groups in Epe.
Guest lecturer of the day, Alhaji Sheikh Buhari Omo Musa, having described the gathering as one with mixed feelings, used the medium to appeal to youths to desist from immorality.
The Cleric also seized the opportunity to address the recent surge of cult activities amongst Epe Youths. He admonished the youths to steer clear of such vices as cultism and its attendant activities would only ensnare them in the crutches of premature death.
“Epe has lost a precious stone. The Ulamas earlier said that if not for his (Habeeb Uthman) charitable deeds and peaceful dispositions in the community, they wouldn’t be here. Today is 77, please don’t kill a soul you cannot create, desist from such an act. My heart bleeds, my eyelids are tired from the tears I’ve cried because a lot of youths who should have had meaningful contributions to the upliftment of their families and communities have been cut short due to these ungodly acts. Stay away from grave sins,” he appealed.
Speaking in an interview with the spokesperson of Epe Youths Development and Renaissance Project, EYDRP, Mr Ismaila Kabiru aka Xabi Alonso, disclosed that the deceased was the President of the group which was founded to discourage cultism, drug abuse and other acts militating against youth development.
“He is not the first person to die from this community as a youth but for the fact that he was our President, we have to honour him. He was a good motivator he has inspired people, he wants things to be peaceful. His death is more or less like a disaster. We think the last respect we can give to him is doing this in his honour and his family. My advice to Epe youths is to put a stop to the wrongs that they are doing. There is no gain in confraternity, drugs and anything pertaining to a satanic gathering, and I believe Alhaji Buhari Omo Musa has spoken the bitter truth, so, it is left for us to work on ourselves,” he stated.
He appreciated those present at the gathering for their love and compassion and also acknowledged the support of community leaders, Imams Alfas and Government officials during the trying period.
Earlier, Alhaji Sheikh Abdul-Lateef Ayeogbaro said the opening prayers, Alhaji Ustaz Yusuf Yusuf had the Quranic recitation while Alhaji Moreblessing led the fidau prayers. The vote of thanks was said by Mr Soji Badejo while Alhaji Sheikh Abiola Sada’la less the closing prayers.
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In attendance at the event were the representatives from Davido Music Worldwide; Chief Imam, Epe Local Government Secretariat,Alhaji Akeusola Yayah, Alhaji Kunle Ijaodola; the Convener of Epe Youth Development Initiative, Comrade Bode Ogunniyi; the deceased only aon, Abdul.
The event was staged under the watch of various security agencies which included, Nigerian Army, Police, Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps, and members of Odua People’s Congress (O.P.C).
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