Dan Amanar of Fune Emirate, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia flanked in a photograph with Sarauniya of Ilorin Emirate, Hajia Muinat Shagaya during the 3rd Day Fidau Prayer of late Hajia Mariyam Ajia in Abuja
- Saraki, Muinat Shagaya, Saliu Mustapha Others in Attendance
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
Today, the usually serene Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia residence in the heart of Abuja was transformed into a sacred ground of remembrance, unity, and reverence as dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered for the Fidau Prayer of the late Hajia Mariyam Ajia, a revered matriarch whose passing has drawn tributes from the highest echelons of political, religious, and business circles.
In a rare show of solidarity and communal respect, former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin Emirate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, led a powerful delegation of Ilorin elites and national figures to honour the memory of Hajia Mariyam. The presence of Hajia Muinat Shagaya, business tycoon and philanthropist, further underscored the influence of the Ajia family and the legacy left behind by the late matron.
The highlight of the spiritual gathering was the solemn Fidau Prayer, led by none other than the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Abdulkadir Oba Sholagberu, who also holds the traditional title of Ubandoma of Ilorin. Joining him were renowned Islamic clerics, including Imam Fuad Adeyemi, founder of the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society; Imam Sharafudeen Abdulsalam Aliagan, founder of the Ashraaf Islamic Foundation; and Imam AbdulHameed Salah, alongside a host of Ulammah from across Nigeria.
As Sheikh Oba Sholagberu’s rich baritone voice echoed Quranic verses and supplications, the air was thick with spirituality and reflection. The Fidau—a traditional prayer held on the 8th day after a Muslim’s passing—was not only a rite of passage but a communal testimony of a life well spent and deeply cherished.
Among the distinguished guests who graced the prayer session were: Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, the Emir of Ilorin’s representative, Engr. Alapasanpa, the Dan Mansani of Ilorin; Senator Saliu Mustapha, Turaki of Ilorin and Senator representing Kwara Central, Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki-Gambari, President/CEO of Kursi Investment, Engr. Kale Kawu, Dan-Iya of Ilorin, Alhaji Alli Abubakar, Chairman of War College Estate and Chairman, War College Muslim Communty.
Others are Alhaji Abubakar Mainasara, Chairman, War College Mosque Committee, Dr. Yusif, Nasarawa Mosque Imam, as well as prominent figures from the legal community, business elite, academia, and traditional institutions.
From Ilorin to Abuja, it was a day of convergence—a uniting moment of shared heritage, religion, and humanit7
For the Ajia family, today’s event was more than just a prayer. It was an emotional outpouring of love and honour for a woman who, in her quiet dignity, raised a family that today stands tall in service to both faith and country. Her son, Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, a respected public figure and political personality, stood composed yet visibly moved as the crowd poured in to offer their condolences.
“It is not every day you see this calibre of people gather not for politics or business, but for prayer,” remarked Alhaji Abubakar Mainasara, who led the War College Muslim Community to the event. “It tells you what kind of mother she must have been.”
President of the 8 Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki in a group photograph with his admirers during the 3-Day Fidau Prayer in Abuja.
The streets leading into the estate were a logistical challenge, as hundreds of vehicles caused a minor gridlock—a testament to the sheer magnitude of attendance. Yet, there was peace in the crowd, a calm sense of solemnity befitting the occasion.
In his sermon, Imam Fuad Adeyemi reminded the audience of the essence of death as a return to the Creator. “We are not here to mourn,” he said. “We are here to pray for her, to reflect on our own mortality, and to remember that it is only our deeds and prayers of those we leave behind that will follow us.”
The Ajia family spared no effort in ensuring that the prayer session retained its spiritual sanctity, hosting guests with humility and grace. Soft chants of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness), soulful renditions of Salawat on the Prophet, and the heart-touching dua offered by Sheikh Oba Sholagberu moved many to tears.
The presence of Dr. Bukola Saraki, whose connection to the Ajia family is deeply rooted in Ilorin’s socio-political and religious landscape, was symbolic. “Hajia Mariyam lived a life of honour, simplicity, and devotion to Allah,” Saraki said in a brief remark after the prayers. “Her passing reminds us all of the importance of legacy. She has indeed returned well to her Creator.”
Hajia Muinat Shagaya, a longtime family friend, described Hajia Mariyam as “a mother to many, whose counsel and generosity will be missed, not just by her family but by all who encountered her warmth.”
For those who witnessed today’s event, it was clear that the late Hajia Mariyam Ajia lived a life worthy of celebration. The convergence of top politicians, Islamic scholars, business moguls, and community leaders reflected the enduring impact of her values—faith, family, humility, and service.
As the sun dipped over the horizon and guests took their leave, one sentiment echoed in every corner: “May Allah grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus.” And from all indications—both earthly and spiritual—she has indeed returned well to her Lord.
