Politics gave way to empathy and respect on Saturday as Osun State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), shared a rare moment of cordiality during the fidau prayer of late Alhaja Sidikat Basiru, mother of the APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru.
The solemn event, held at Fakunle Unity Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, drew an array of political leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics and other dignitaries from within and outside Osun State.
In a symbolic display of mutual respect despite the intense political rivalry ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Governor Adeleke and Oyebamiji exchanged pleasantries and stood together during the final Fidau prayer, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The gathering came amid sustained political exchanges and campaign rhetoric between the ruling Accord Party and the opposition APC, making the cordial interaction between the two frontline governorship contenders particularly noteworthy.
Governor Adeleke attended the prayer alongside the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun and other government officials and aides. Oyebamiji was accompanied by prominent APC leaders, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Osun State Governor and APC elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande; and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Other dignitaries present included Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; the immediate past Chairman of the JAMB Governing Board, Prof. Olu Aina; and the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
Delivering the sermon, the Mufasir of Osogbo, Sheikh Abdulateef Abajaoro, reminded the congregation of the inevitability of death, urging people to live upright lives and remain committed to acts of kindness and service to humanity.
He stressed that earthly possessions, political power, wealth, influence and authority are temporary, noting that only three enduring legacies benefit a person after death: beneficial knowledge shared while alive, charitable deeds that continue to impact society, and righteous children who continue to pray for their departed parents.
The cleric urged those in positions of authority and influence to use their opportunities to positively impact society, emphasising that good deeds remain the greatest legacy any individual can leave behind.
Source: New Telegraph
