Delegation of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Ibn Uthman, the Emir of Fune to condole with Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia over the demise of his beloved mother, Hajia Mariyam Ajia
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The outpouring of condolences and prayers continued on Thursday, July 10, 2025, as the 3rd Day Fidau Prayer was held in honour of the late Hajia Mariyam Ajia, mother of Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar Fune, at his residence in War College Estate, Gwarinpa, Abuja.
As the city of Abuja hosted top dignitaries, clerics, and sympathizers who turned out in large numbers to pay their respects, a powerful delegation from Fune Emirate Council also paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family on behalf of His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Ibn Uthman, the Emir of Fune.
The Emir’s delegation was led by Alhaji Ahmed Idi Barde, the District Head of Fune, and included other notable figures such as Hon. AbdulKadir Jajere, Engr. Kabir Malala, Hon. Sani Usman, and the Dan-Masani Fune, Alhaji Gambo Hassan Nguru. They visited the Ajia residence on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to convey the Emirate’s heartfelt condolences.
Speaking on behalf of the Emir, Alhaji Barde extolled the virtues of the late Hajia Mariyam Ajia, describing her as “a virtuous and God-fearing woman who raised a patriotic son in Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia, whose contributions to national development and the Fune Emirate are widely appreciated.”
He also delivered the Emir’s personal message of sympathy and solidarity, assuring the Ajia family of the Emirate’s continued support and prayers during this difficult time. The delegation joined the family in offering special prayers for the repose of the soul of the departed matriarch.
In his response, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajia expressed deep gratitude for the Emir’s gesture and the visit of the delegation. “His Royal Highness has always been a father to me, and this visit has brought great comfort and honour to my family,” he said.
The 3rd Day Fidau Prayer, which took place on Thursday, brought together an extraordinary convergence of Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, political leaders, and community members. The solemn rite was led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, who also serves as the Ubandoma of Ilorin.
He was joined by notable Islamic clerics including Imam Fuad Adeyemi, founder of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Imam Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, founder of the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation; Imam AbdulHameed Salah, and other Ulammah from across the country.
During the session, Qur’anic recitations, spiritual sermons, and special supplications were offered for the late Hajia Mariyam, whose life was celebrated as one of devotion, humility, and service to her family and community.
Notable dignitaries at the prayer included Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Waziri of Ilorin and President of the 8th Senate; Senator Saliu Mustapha, Turaki of Ilorin; Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki-Gambari, Hajia Muinat Shagaya, Engr. Kale Kawu, and several others from the Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
The Muslim Community of War College Estate, under the leadership of Alhaji Abubakar Mainasara, and the broader Islamic community in Abuja, were also present in large numbers, signifying the deep respect the deceased earned in her lifetime.
Late Hajia Mariyam Ajia is remembered as a deeply spiritual woman, a disciplinarian, and a compassionate mother whose legacy continues to live through the values she instilled in her children—particularly in Ibrahim Ajia, whose public service and community impact have drawn national recognition.
As the 3rd Day Fidau concluded, voices rose in unison, praying:
“May Allah forgive her shortcomings, expand her grave, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus.”
The mourning continues, but so does the celebration of a life that inspired many.
