The children and families of late Alhaja Wasilat Aduki Sokoya, a successful fabric trader at the popular Gutter Ariyo market in Lagos, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, held a modest fidau prayers for the repose of her soul.
The deceased died on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, at the age of 76 after a brief illness and had since been buried according to Islamic rites.
She was born into the popular Jayesimi family in Ikorodu and married into the Sokoya family and was survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The seventh day fidau prayers, which was held at the Ikorodu Town hall, was coordinated by clerics from the Ansar-ul- Deen Society of Nigeria where the deceased was an active member until her death.
The event recorded an impressive attendance as eminent personalities, members of the Ansar- ul-Deen society, family members, friends and acquaintances of the deceased trooped out enmasse to pay their last respect to her.
Also, two notable traditional rulers, Oba Kabir Shotobi, Ayangbure of Ikorodu, and Onikosi of Ikosi land, were represented by their Staff of Office and chiefs at the event.
Around 2.25 pm, the fidau prayers took off with a marathon prayer session led by Alhaji Abdul Ganiyu Hammad. Several selected powerful surahs of the Holy Qur’an were read to seek for Allah’s forgiveness and mercy for Alhaja Sokoya while prayers were also offered for the protection of the children and families she left behind.
While paying a glowing tribute to Alhaja Sokoya, Alhaji Hammad described her as a devout Muslim and a committed member of Ansar-ul- Deen Society who contributed immensely to the development of the society and Islam throughout out her lifetime.
He further described her as an easy going and peace loving woman who spent her life serving her creator and humanity with all sincerity while he also prayed that Allah grants her Al-Jannah Firdaos.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Abdul-Fatai Odunayo Olutusin, a Missioner in Ansar-ul- Deen Society, while delivering a brief lecture, stated that death is a neccesary end for every soul and that when it comes, the experience might be sweet or bitter depending on what everyone puts into life.
He, therefore, urged people to start making preparations for death by sincerely worshipping Allah, seek for His forgiveness and engage in good deeds and not wait until death comes as it might be too late to make any amends by then.
Alhaji Olutusin also warned that people should be wary of their deeds as every deed, good or bad, will be rewarded accordingly by Allah.
The fidau prayer session was concluded with the recitation of Suratul Yassin by Alfa Muhammed Ishiaq Muhammed Noor after which family members and guests were invited by the coordinating clerics to donate money for special prayer requests for the deceased.
This was followed by a Vote of Thanks by a relative of the deceased, Alhaji R.O. Jayesimi, a former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The event was later rounded off with a brief reception party during which the families of the deceased entertained their guests.
Among other eminent personalities that graced the occasion were Senator Musliu Obanikoro, Basorun Tajudeen Jayesimi, Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. (Prince) Nureni Olawunmi Ayinde Akinsanya, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly (Mushin Constituency I), Basorun Babatunde Rotinwa, Chairman, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, Publisher, Oriwu Sun, Alhaja Solomon (wife of Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon), and Alhaji K.B. Kashimawo, Chairman, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ikorodu branch.
