…as Gov AbdulRazaq, Emir of Ilorin, Saraki, ex-Gov Ahmed, Saliu Mustapha, others mourn,
By Olatunde Rufai
The remains of former Senator that represented Kwara South Senatorial District at the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim was yesterday laid to rest in Ilorin, Hot News Nigeria, can report.
His remains which arrived Ilorin, the Kwara State capital through Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in the afternoon was interred about 4.00pm at the Muslim Cemetery, Osere area, Ilorin.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu led other high profile Muslim clerics to conduct the burial (Janazah) prayer.
Scores of politicians across party divides, former governor, former state executive members, traditional rulers, honourary titled chiefs, national and state PDP chieftains, party supporters, family members, friends and political associates, among others were in attendance at the burial prayer to pay their last respect to the late politician whom many described as a man of the people.
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Meanwhile, the Kwara State governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said he received with shock and profound sadness reports of the death of Senator Ibrahim.
The governor in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye condoled with the family of the late senator, the people of Ojoku in Oyun local government area, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“This shocking development again reminds everyone of the inevitability of death for all human beings and the fact that it could come unannounced for anyone, according to the Governor.
“Governor AbdulRazaq prays to Allah to admit the senator to al-Jannah Firdaus and give comfort to his family members, political associates, and followers,” the statement added.
Similarly the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has described the death of the late federal lawmaker as a monumental loss to humanity.
The Royal Highness noted that the deceased’s love for the people of Ilorin Emirate was unquantifiable with the ranges of philanthropic interventions which he did during his lifetimes.
The monarch stated this in a condolence message issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, yesterday saying, “He was a cool, calm and easy-going person who did his best to put smiles on the faces of the less privileged in the society.”
The Emir further stressed that, “The death of Senator Rafiu Ibrahim was shocking and saddening, but his desire to be finally laid to rest in Ilorin after death is a consolation and testimony that his wish has been fulfilled and we pray that Almighty Allah comfort him in the grave.”
The Emir extended the condolences of the entire members of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council to the Olojoku of Ojoku, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRazaq Adegboyega Afolabi and the entire people of Ojoku land over the loss.
In the same vein, the former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said he has lost a brother in late Rafiu Ibrahim.
Dr. Saraki, made this known in a statement on all his social media handles describing the late federal lawmaker as a friend and brother.
Saraki, describing the Ojoku-born politician, stated that “My dear friend and brother, Distinguished Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, was truly in a class of his own—as a leader, as a legislator, and as a friend. He was always loyal, committed, and quietly tenacious in achieving his objectives and goals. He consistently demonstrated these qualities, both in and out of office.
“Always just a phone call away and always ready to act for the greater good, Rafiu endeared himself to many, both within and outside Kwara State. He was known for always lending a hand, supporting initiatives, and empowering young people.
Today, Kwara State and Nigeria have lost a leader; and I have lost a brother.
As we mourn Rafiu’s passing, we thank him for his exemplary qualities and will miss him dearly.
Also, in his condolence message, the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, said he received the news of Ibrahim’s death with a rude shock.
Salihu-Danladi, recalled that Senator Ibrahim was a member of the 6th Kwara State House of Assembly between 2009 and 2011, describing him as a fine lawmaker who shone brilliantly both at the state and national levels.
Paying his tributes, the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District and Turaki of Ilorin, Saliu Mustapha through a statement on his social media handles expressed shock and sadness over the passing of the former federal lawmaker.
Mustapha described Senator Ibrahim’s death as a huge loss to Ojoku community, Kwara South, and Kwara state as a whole, given his significant contributions to the state and country during his time in the State House of Assembly, federal House of Representatives, and Senate.
The Turaki of Ilorin, stated that he remembered Senator Ibrahim as a good man who was loved by all, not just his people in Ojoku, but by all Nigerians and said he will be deeply missed.
The Lawmaker Representing Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, also joined in the scores of tributes to the late federal lawmaker, acknowledging his contributions to the nation, both as a distinguished Senator and as a dedicated public servant, saying he will always be remembered with admiration and respect.
Hon Aluko further said, “Senator Ibrahim’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of our society has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. May his legacy of integrity, compassion, and service continue to inspire us all. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time”.
The world renown neurosurgeon and candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last Senatorial Election of Kwara South Senatorial District, Prof Wale Sulaiman, also described the passing of Dr Rafiu Ibrahim as a painful loss.
Prof Sulaiman, who is also the CEO/CMD of RNZ Global Limited and President of RNZ Foundation described Senator Ibrahim as a core progressive whom he has known for years but got to know him very well over the last year. Saying his relationship with him was characterized by shared progressive ideology, genuine commitment to servant leadership, and good governance across all levels in Kwara State and Nigeria.
While condoling his wife, children, family members, the Olojoku of Ojoku, the people of the community, Senator Bukola Saraki and members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) over the loss of a great family man, Prof Sulaiman said Senator Rafiu led a legacy-driven life and he shall forever be remembered for his good deeds.
It would be recalled that the news of the passing of the late federal lawmaker was confirmed in the early hours of Wednesday in a statement signed by his aide, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir.
Senator Ibrahim died at the age 57 after a protracted illness
See Janaza prayers in video below:
