The contributions of past political, religious and community leaders to the development of Saki, Oyo State, have been remembered and celebrated at a commemorative programme organised by the chairmanship candidate of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Sarafadeen Abiola Onijo.
The event, titled “Retracing the Paths of Our Heroes,” convened by Onijo, to honour individuals who contributed to the political, social, religious and overall development of the community.
The opening prayer was said by the Chief Imam of Saki, Sheikh Abdazeez Jeje Balogun, who was represented at the event.
The gathering was attended by members of the Okere-in-Council, led by the Apeki of Saki, APM councillorship candidates, the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Saki and adjoining communities, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, as well as associates and members of the late political sage, Hon. Mudashir Buhari, popularly known as Eruobodo.
Speaking as chairman of the occasion, an APM chieftain and former Minority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Rafiu Adekunle, expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of those still alive.
Adekunle commended Abiola for organising the programme, describing it as an important initiative capable of encouraging younger generations to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of their predecessors.
He said it was necessary for communities to regularly remember individuals who had played significant roles in their development, particularly in politics, religion, social affairs and other spheres of life.
According to him, the legacies of such personalities should not be allowed to fade away, as their contributions laid the foundation for many of the developments being witnessed in Saki today.
Adekunle said Abiola had set a good example for others to follow, expressing confidence that the APM candidate would emerge victorious in the forthcoming chairmanship election and deliver good governance to the people of Saki West.
The programme also featured a special session dedicated to recalling the contributions of prominent figures who had impacted Saki.
Among those remembered as read by Alhaji Busari Muda (Eruobodo), were Alhaji Tijani Musa, Baba Abu Agolabi, Baba Shittu Aladie, Baba Ajewunedeku, Baba Sura, Baba Alujonnu, Baba Alli Okeoro, Baba Alakuta, Alhaji Ismail Ayinde, Baba Olumota, Baba Adagolojo, Baba Oloye Iya, Baba Omototo, Baba Olympio, Baba Wasalam, Baba Tijani Eniranmo, Baba Alapinni, Baba Shittu Eji, Baba Abdulateef Giwa, Baba Nasiru Salami, Baba Opo, Baba Jimoh Dogo, Baba Olowolayemo, Baba Raheem Dejo, Baba Bada, Baba Olowokere, Baba Jimoh Vice and Baba Munace.
Others included Baba Tunji Alago, Baba Fatai Olubodun, Baba Idowu Owoade, Coach Kehinde Adetola, Baba Omofoyewa, Baba J.B., Baba Shittu Ore, Baba Asimi Olomi, Baba Ajisebutu, Baba Lateef Balogun, Baba Yekini Agbaje, Senator Robert Koleosho and Baba Sikiru Ikuogbogun.
The speakers noted that the development recorded in Saki over the years could be traced to the sacrifices and contributions of these individuals.
Particular reference was made to prominent religious figures, including Alhaji Tijani Awelenje, Alhaji Tijani Musa and Sheikh Oba Ahmed Tijani Abimbola, whose contributions to the religious and social development of Saki were described as significant.
The organisers said the gathering was intended not only to honour the heroes but also to preserve their legacies and inspire present and future generations to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the community.
The programme featured lectures, special prayers, general remarks and resolutions before the closing prayer.