Eminent Muslim scholars, clerics and dignitaries, including the representatives of the Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday attended the fidau prayer for the repose of the soul of a prominent Ilorin preacher, Sheikh Hamzah Ariyibi (Babani Ayegbami).
The prayer, which was held at the Imam Hamzah Islamic Training Institute, Ayegbami – Dada, Okelele, off Sobi Specialist Hospital Road, Alagbado, witnessed a mammoth crowd of followers of Sheikh Ariyibi and sympathisers from all walks of life.
Sheikh Hamzah, the proprietor of Imam Hamza College of Education and Hamfat Hospital , Ilorin, died on Friday, September 12, 2025 and was buried the same day according to Islamic rites.
The governor’s delegation to the fidau prayer was led by the senior adviser/ counselor, Alh Saadu Salahu.
Other members of the delegation include the commissioner for Works, Engr. Abdulquwwiy Olododo, the commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Afeez Abolore, the special adviser on Special Duties, Alh. AbdulRazaq Jiddah, the special adviser on Media, Alh. Bashir Adigun, and the senior special assistant on Religion ( Islam), Alh. Ibrahim Danmaigoro.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashir Salihu, who led the prayer, described the deceased as an obedient servant of Allah and extolled his virtues of righteousness and philanthropy.
In an emotional sermon that later drew tears from his eyes, the legendary preacher and grand Mukadam of Ilorin Emirate, Sheikh Sulaiman Dan—Borno, extolled Sheikh Ariyibi’s humility, kindness, and compassion virtues.
He described the deceased as a highly knowledgeable Islamic scholar who put into practice what he preached.
Both Imam Salihu and Sheikh Dan-Borno described the passing of Sheikh Ariyibi as a significant loss to the entire Muslim community across the globe.
They prayed to Allah to accept his return and grant him eternal rest in Al-jannah Firdaus.
