We often fail to realise the value of our parents until they are gone. Had we truly known, we would have done better. Our parents are treasures, and it is our duty to care for them while we still have the chance,”
— Sheikh Buhari Musa Ajikobi
By Abdulrahman Aliagan in Ilorin,
In a deeply spiritual and emotionally charged atmosphere, the ancient city of Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, played host to family members, clerics, traditional rulers, associates, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to observe the 7-Day Fidau Prayer in honour of the late Alhaji Mohammed Jamiu Toyin Durosinlohun Ajia yesterday, patriarch of the esteemed Ogbonde Ajia family.
The prayer, held at the family’s ancestral compound in Ilorin, was a powerful reflection of the life, values, and legacy of a man whose impact extended beyond his household to his community and beyond.
The gathering brought together an exceptional convergence of faith, culture, and unity, as the dignified ceremony blended heartfelt prayers, Quranic recitations, and soul-stirring admonitions — all testifying to the remarkable life of the late patriarch, who was celebrated for his integrity, generosity, and devotion to both God and family.
Leading the Fidau prayers was the revered Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Soliu, who, alongside notable clerics including Imam Imale, Sheikh Abdullahi AbdulHameed, and other respected members of the Ilorin Emirate Ulama Council, presided over a spiritually profound session of Quranic recitations and supplications for the repose of Alhaji Ajia’s soul.
The recitations, drawn from selected chapters of the Holy Qur’an, were accompanied by special prayers asking Allah (SWT) to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and provide strength and guidance to the family he left behind.
Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed Ajia receiving elders’ blessing from the title holders of Ajia Ogbonde Dynasty
One of the high points of the ceremony was the thought-provoking sermon delivered by the Guest Speaker, Sheikh Buhari Musa Ajikobi, who delivered a moving admonition on the significance of death as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the essence of human existence.
He urged the congregation to reflect deeply on their relationships with their parents, describing them as “the most essential people anyone can have in life.” Sheikh Ajikobi reminded the Ummah that parents stand for their children at the expense of their own comfort and deserve to be honoured, loved, and cared for above self-interest.
Dan Amanar of Fune Emirate, Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Ajia in a group photograph with his close friends from Government Secondary School, Ilorin.
We often fail to realise the value of our parents until they are gone. Had we truly known, we would have done better. Our parents are treasures, and it is our duty to care for them while we still have the chance,
— Sheik Buhari Musa Ajikobi
“We often fail to realise the value of our parents until they are gone. Had we truly known, we would have done better. Our parents are treasures, and it is our duty to care for them while we still have the chance,” he admonished.
Similarly, Sheikh Dan Borno, another Guest Speaker, emphasized the urgency of caring for parents while they are alive. He encouraged children to regularly seek to know their parents’ needs and prioritize their welfare, noting that serving one’s parents sincerely is one of the greatest paths to divine blessings.
The Fidau was further elevated by the presence of notable dignitaries, traditional rulers, and community leaders who came to honour the memory of the late patriarch. Among those present is the representative of Emir of Ilorin by Alhaji Modibbo, Alhaji Tajudeen Eleku, a Constitutional Lawyer from the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulfatai Sambo, Ambassador Tajudeen Olesin, Alhaji Kale Ayo, Alhaji Amuda Kannike and several other prominent personalities from within and outside Ilorin Emirate.
Their attendance underscored the respect and admiration that Alhaji Mohammed Jamiu Toyin Durosinlohun Ajia commanded during his lifetime — a man celebrated for his generosity, humility, and unwavering commitment to the upliftment of his family and community.
Throughout the event, heartfelt testimonials poured in, painting the portrait of a man whose life embodied the principles of faith, sacrifice, and service. For his family, Alhaji Ajia was not only a father but also a guide and protector whose love, wisdom, and values continue to inspire. For his community, he was a unifier — a man who contributed to the social, spiritual, and cultural growth of the Ilorin Emirate.
The Fidau was not merely a farewell but a celebration of a life well-lived and a reminder of the ultimate journey that awaits all mankind. The gathering reinforced the importance of living purposefully, serving others selflessly, and strengthening one’s bond with God.
As the event drew to a close, the Chief Imam, alongside the Council of Ulama, offered collective prayers, asking Allah (SWT) to grant Alhaji Mohammed Jamiu Toyin Durosinlohun Ajia Al-Jannatul Firdaus and to reward his good deeds abundantly. Special prayers were also offered for the Ajia family, asking Allah to grant them strength, patience, and unity as they uphold the legacy of their beloved patriarch.
The 7-Day Fidau prayer in Ilorin, coming after an earlier 3-Day Fidau prayer in Kaduna, was more than a religious obligation — it was a testimony to a life marked by faith, family, and service. From the solemn Quranic recitations to the heartfelt admonitions, the ceremony reminded everyone present of the transient nature of life and the eternal value of righteous deeds.
As the Ajia family and the wider community bid farewell to their beloved patriarch, his values of compassion, humility, and devotion to God continue to live on in the hearts of those he