The landscape of Osun State politics, often characterized by intense rivalry and fierce rhetorical exchanges, witnessed a rare moment of cross-party camaraderie on Saturday as Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, converged in Osogbo. The occasion was the eighth-day Fidau prayer for the late Alhaja Sidikat Basiru, the mother of the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru. Held at the expansive grounds of Fakunle Comprehensive High School, the event served as a temporary sanctuary from the looming political battles of the upcoming August 15 governorship election, drawing a constellation of Nigeria’s most influential political figures to the heart of the state capital.
The atmosphere in Osogbo was one of somber reflection mixed with high-level diplomacy. While the primary purpose of the gathering was to offer Islamic prayers for the soul of the departed matriarch, the presence of Governor Adeleke of the People’s Democratic Republic (PDP) and his primary challenger, Bola Oyebamiji, became the focal point for observers. The two leaders, who have been locked in a high-stakes campaign for the soul of the state, were seen exchanging warm pleasantries and engaging in brief, amicable conversations. This public display of civility, captured in photographs and videos that quickly trended across social media platforms, was hailed by many as a masterclass in political maturity and a testament to the enduring Yoruba tradition of respecting family and community ties above partisan differences.
A Gathering of National Significance
The Fidau prayer was not merely a local affair but a national political assembly, reflecting the high standing of Senator Ajibola Basiru within the ruling APC. Senator Basiru, a former spokesperson for the Nigerian Senate and a key strategist for the party, received a robust show of support from his colleagues and superiors. Among the dignitaries present were Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, both of whom represented the regional influence of the APC in the Southwest.
The federal executive council was also well-represented, underscoring the importance of the event. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola—who preceded Adeleke as Governor of Osun—was in attendance, alongside the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. Other notable figures included the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, and the former Governor of Jigawa State, Abubakar Badaru. The presence of the founding National Chairman of the APC and former Osun Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, added an air of elder statesmanship to the proceedings, while the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, represented the legislative arm of the current state government.
The diversity of the attendees, spanning different tiers of government and opposing political ideologies, provided a stark contrast to the often-polarized nature of Nigerian governance. For a few hours, the focus shifted from policy disputes and campaign promises to the universal experience of grief and the shared responsibility of honoring a life well-lived.
Spiritual Reflections: The Sermon by Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro
The religious component of the day was led by the Mufasir of Osogbo, Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro, whose sermon resonated deeply with the gathered elite and commoners alike. Addressing a crowd that included some of the most powerful individuals in the country, the Islamic cleric delivered a poignant reminder of the transience of power and the inevitability of mortality.
"Every human being will die," Sheikh Abajaoro stated with solemnity, his voice echoing through the school grounds. He emphasized that the titles, wealth, and authority held by those in the audience were merely temporary stewardships that would eventually be surrendered. He urged the congregation to prioritize righteous living and service to humanity over the accumulation of material gains or the pursuit of ephemeral political dominance.
The Sheikh elaborated on the Islamic doctrine regarding the legacy of the deceased. He noted that according to prophetic tradition, when a person passes away, their deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity or a continuous act of goodness), beneficial knowledge left behind for others, and the prayers of righteous children. He commended Senator Ajibola Basiru for organizing the prayer and urged him to continue honoring his mother’s memory through acts of philanthropy and public service that would serve as a testament to her upbringing.
The Political Context: Osun’s Road to August 15
The significance of the interaction between Governor Adeleke and Bola Oyebamiji cannot be overstated given the current political climate in Osun State. As the August 15 governorship election approaches, the state has become a primary battleground for the PDP and the APC. Governor Adeleke, known for his populist appeal and "dancing governor" persona, is seeking to consolidate his administration’s mandate, while Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance and a seasoned banker, represents the APC’s bid to reclaim the state.
Prior to this event, the two camps had been engaged in a war of words. The APC has frequently criticized the Adeleke administration over its handling of infrastructure projects and state finances, while the PDP has accused the opposition of attempting to destabilize the state through misinformation. The frostiness of their relationship had led to concerns among the electorate regarding the potential for election-related violence.
However, the images of Adeleke and Oyebamiji smiling and shaking hands at the Fidau prayer have offered a glimmer of hope for a peaceful electoral process. Analysts suggest that such public displays of mutual respect can help de-escalate tensions among the grassroots supporters of both parties. By demonstrating that they can coexist in a social and religious setting, the candidates have sent a powerful message that political competition does not necessitate personal enmity.
Background of the Deceased and the Basiru Family
Alhaja Sidikat Basiru, whose passing was announced earlier in the week by the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, was described as a pillar of the Osogbo community. Her life was characterized by devotion to her faith and a commitment to the education and moral upbringing of her children.
Senator Ajibola Basiru, her son, has often credited his mother’s discipline and prayers for his rise in the Nigerian political space. Basiru’s career has been marked by a rapid ascent; from serving as a Commissioner in Osun State under the Rauf Aregbesola administration to representing Osun Central in the Senate and eventually becoming the National Secretary of the APC. His ability to draw such a diverse crowd to his mother’s funeral rites is a reflection of his extensive network and the respect he commands across the political spectrum.
In his official statement, Kola Olabisi described Alhaja Basiru’s death as a "painful loss," not just to the family but to all those who benefited from her maternal guidance and exemplary life. The burial and subsequent Fidau prayers were conducted in strict accordance with Islamic rites, emphasizing simplicity and spiritual devotion.
Chronology of the Day’s Events
The day began with the arrival of local residents and Islamic scholars at the Fakunle Comprehensive High School early in the morning. By midday, the security presence around Osogbo had been significantly beefed up to accommodate the influx of Very Important Persons (VIPs).
- 10:00 AM: Local dignitaries and community leaders began arriving at the venue.
- 11:30 AM: A convoy of federal ministers and former governors arrived, led by Chief Bisi Akande and Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola.
- 12:15 PM: Governor Ademola Adeleke arrived with his entourage, receiving a warm welcome from the organizers despite the political divide.
- 12:45 PM: The APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, arrived and was seen greeting the Governor, a moment that quickly became the highlight for the media.
- 1:00 PM: The Fidau prayer commenced, led by a group of prominent Imams from the Osogbo Central Mosque.
- 1:45 PM: Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro delivered his sermon, focusing on legacy and the afterlife.
- 2:30 PM: The formal prayers concluded, followed by a session of tributes where various speakers praised the virtues of the late Alhaja Sidikat Basiru.
- 3:30 PM: Dignitaries began their departure, with many stopping to offer personal condolences to Senator Ajibola Basiru and his siblings.
Implications for the Upcoming Election
The "Osogbo Handshake," as some have termed the meeting between Adeleke and Oyebamiji, carries significant weight for the democratic health of Osun State. Historically, Osun has been a swing state with razor-thin margins in gubernatorial contests. The 2018 and 2022 elections were both highly contested and legally challenged, leading to a palpable sense of fatigue among the populace regarding political friction.
The display of maturity at the Fidau prayer suggests a shift toward a more issues-based campaign rather than one rooted in personality clashes. If the leaders can maintain this level of civility on the campaign trail, it could set a new standard for regional politics in Nigeria.
Furthermore, the presence of national APC leaders in Osogbo serves as a reminder of the state’s importance in the national political calculus. For the APC, winning Osun is a matter of reclaiming a traditional stronghold. For the PDP, retaining Osun is vital for maintaining its foothold in the Southwest. The convergence of these interests at a funeral underscores how intertwined personal lives and political ambitions are in the Nigerian context.
As the sun set over Osogbo on Saturday, the echoes of the prayers remained. While the political battle for the Governor’s Office will undoubtedly resume in full force on Monday, the Fidau of Alhaja Sidikat Basiru provided a necessary pause—a reminder that beyond the ballot boxes and the political rallies, there is a shared humanity that binds even the fiercest of rivals together. The residents of Osun now look forward to the August 15 election with the hope that the peace and maturity displayed in Osogbo will prevail throughout the voting process.
