The Okere of Sakiland, Oba (Dr) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, on Saturday led a delegation of traditional chiefs to the 40-day Fidau prayer for late Alhaji Chief Abdulraheem Olalere Alabi Durojaye, a prominent political and community leader in Saki.
The event, held at Ansarudeen High School, Sanngo, Saki, also attracted leaders and members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Elders’ Forum in Saki West Local Government Area, family members, associates and other well-wishers who gathered to honour the deceased.
Among the political dignitaries in attendance was SDP state chairman, Hon. Michael Okunlade, Hon. Taofeeq Zakariyah, who represented the SDP National Leader, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola. Also present were representatives of the party’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, and Oyo North Senatorial candidate of the party, Hon. Saheed Adebayo Ibraheem (SP) .
The family expressed appreciation to both political leaders for their kind gestures and support during the period of mourning.
Durojaye, popularly known as Baba D’Gov, died on September 14, 2026, in Lome, Togo, aged 84, and was buried in Koumea in accordance with his wishes.
The solemn gathering featured Qur’anic recitations, prayers and goodwill messages in remembrance of the deceased, with the Chief Imam of Sakiland, Sheikh Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Jejekunmi Isola Areebo, leading the opening prayer.
Other dignitaries and personalities who attended the programme included APC chieftain, Col. Gbenga Adegbola (RTD) and Hon. Kabir Adebayo, among others.
A eulogy in honour of the deceased was delivered by Majeed Aderemi Amolegbe, highlighting his life, public service and contributions to the development of Saki and Oke-Ogun.
A lecture and presentation on the life and contributions of the deceased also formed part of the programme, while Rasheedat Wuraola Durojaye-Ajimobi delivered goodwill messages on behalf of the family.
The organisers also made donations to Ajibise Mosque, Ogidigbo, Saki, and Baytul-Maal as part of the activities marking the 40-day remembrance.
In his vote of thanks, the President-General of the Durojaye Descendant Union, Alhaji Suleman Akanni Tijani Durojaye, appreciated the traditional ruler, political leaders, Islamic clerics and other guests for identifying with the family during the period of mourning.
Born into the Durojaye family of Ajibise Compound, Ogidigbo, Saki, the late Durojaye was a prominent businessman, politician and community leader whose contributions spanned public service, commerce, healthcare and Islamic affairs.
He began his working life in the traditional weaving business before joining the Baptist Hospital, Saki, now Baptist Medical Centre, as a ward attendant. He subsequently established Raheem Durojaye Stores, a registered drug store and clinic at Isale Ogbalanja, Saki, through which he provided healthcare-related services to residents of the town and neighbouring communities.
He also ventured into farming and other commercial activities, including securing an appointment as a dealer for Mobil Oil Nigeria Limited at its Saki sales outlet.
In politics, Durojaye made history as the first person from Oke-Ogun to contest the governorship of Oyo State during the Zero Party era, an aspiration that earned him the sobriquet, Baba D’Gov.
He later served as an elected councillor representing Ogidigbo, Kinnikinni, Isale-Oro and neighbouring communities in the defunct Ifedapo Local Government Area of Saki.
Beyond politics and business, the deceased held several leadership positions in religious, educational and community organisations. He served as National Vice-President of the Muslim Youth Progressive Society of Nigeria and Grand Patron of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria at the Divisional Teachers Training College, Saki.
He was also associated with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the National Joint Muslim Organisation and the Muslim Medical Foundation, Saki, where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
His other community engagements included serving as chairman of the Ogidigbo Community Development Council and president of the Saki-Dun Young Farmers Livestock Association, among other positions.
He is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.