The 8 day Fidau prayer for the repose of late Alhaja Mariam Olusi was held on Sunday, 22 October, 2023 at Harbour Point, 4, Wilmot Point Road, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The deceased was the wife of Afenifere Chieftain, Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, OON. She died at the age of 77 on October 14, 2023.
President Bola Tinubu, a close associate of the widower was represented by Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu at the event.
Nigeria’s first Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu was represented by Princess Adu while Oba Rilwanu Akiolu I, was represented by White Cap Chiefs of Lagos.
Other notable personalities in attendance include Aremo Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Bisi Akande (represented by Mr Kehinde Afolabi), Chief of Staff to Lagos State governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, and former Deputy Governors of Lagos State, Mr Femi Pedro and Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefilure.
Also, Secretary Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), Senator Anthony Adefuye, Honourable Bayo Abraham Adesanya, Senator Ganiyu Olarenwaju Solomon (GOS), Alhaja Jakande, Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), Alhaja Eshinlokun, Representative of Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu – Ojo, Iyaloja General, Lagos State speaker, (Hon) Mudashiru Obasa, former Chief Justice of Lagos State, Rtd Justice Olorumbe, and Hon Jumoke Okoya Thomas were also graced the occasion.
Leading the pack of Muslim Community were Chief Imams of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Oluwatoyin Abu Nalla, who offered opening prayer, and other prominent Imams were equally in attendance.
Adkhar were reaf by team of Imams of Musibaudeen Islamic Center. Holy Quaran was read by Waali Shittu Kosoko while lecture was given by Professor Kabir Olawale Paramole, Chairman and Head, Department of Religious and Peace Studies, Lagos State University, Chief Missionary Jejewiyyat in Nigeria and Overseas.
The civil society organisations were represented by Comrade Awa Bamiji,
Comrade Lanleyin Olasunkanmi, Comrade Ador Somto Michelle, Comrade Lekan Agboola and Comrade Ibrahim Musa.
Prince Olusi couldn’t hold back his tears of joy in public as he was completely overwhelmed by the honour given to him by the numerous guests that attended his late Wife, Alhaja Mariam Iyabo Olusi’s 8th day Fidau
Citation of late Alhaja Mariam Gbonjusola Iyabode Olusi, (Nee: Bisiriyu Giwa of Igbore Abeokuta) showcasing her life and times as well as her Oriki were equally read during the programme.
Delivering President Tinubu’s speech, the Lagos State governor, appreciated contribution of everybody, prayed for the breaved family, and offered special prayer for the peace in Middle East amid the ongoing Isrealite and Palestine War.
Sanwo-olu spoke about how workable modalities could be used in ensuring that the Islamic and Christian Religious Studies are not forgetten in both Primary and Secondary Schools in the States, which centred on aggressive recruitment of the Religious Studies’ Teachers and introduction of incentive.
He described the large turnout of guests at the occasion as unprecedented in the history of Lagos State.
