For a few hours on Saturday, political rivalry in Osun State gave way to a display of unity as Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, joined other dignitaries to honour the late Alhaja Sidikat Basiru, mother of APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The occasion was the final Fidau prayer held at Fakunle Unity Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, where political, traditional, and religious leaders gathered to pay their last respects.
Governor Adeleke attended the event alongside the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Rep. Bamidele Salam, and other senior government officials.
Also present was Oyebamiji, who led a delegation of APC leaders that included former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; APC chieftain, Chief Bisi Akande; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and other party stalwarts.
The prayer session drew dignitaries from across the country, reflecting Senator Basiru’s influence across political and social circles.
ALSO READ: Atiku condemns N210bn duplicated allocations in 2026 budget
Among those in attendance were Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; former JAMB Governing Board Chairman, Prof. Olu Aina; APC chieftain Prof. Yemi Alaba Adediwura; Prof. Taiwo Ajeigbe; APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Olabomi; the Chief Imam of Osun, Sheikh Rabiu Animasahun; as well as representatives of the governors of Delta and Edo states.
Delivering the sermon, the Mufasir of Osogbo, Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro, reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of worldly power and wealth.
He said only three legacies continue to benefit a person after death: beneficial knowledge, enduring acts of charity, and righteous children who continue to pray for their parents.
The cleric urged political leaders and members of the public to dedicate themselves to justice, compassion and service to humanity, stressing that good deeds outlive earthly positions and influence.
In his vote of thanks, Senator Basiru expressed gratitude to God for the life of his late mother, who died at the age of 96.
He also thanked Governor Adeleke, APC leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other sympathisers for attending the prayer session and prayed for their safe return to their respective destinations.