Flamboyant Senator, Ganiu Solomon, the handsome, brilliant and young Nation Assembly legislator and his siblings shook Mushin and brought it to a halt on May 13, 2018 as they celebrated the 30th anniversary of the passage of their great father.
Like his dad who was a strong member of the Action Group, Senator Solomon showcased the dividends of being a socialite when he pooled to his ceremony who is who in Lagos state, Abuja and other places.
The large crowd of friends, relation, associates, well-wishers and lovers suffocated the big hall venue of the event and spilled over. Trust politicians, any event they organize invokes numbers, music, lobbying etc. as these photos and additional report portray.
The memorable event, which also doubled as a pre-Ramadan Lecture to usher in the fasting period for the Muslim faithful, was held at the exquisite Rafiu Ishola Solomon Memorial Hall Mushin, Lagos.
The exquisite hall, which was filled to the brim with guests and well-wishers, was renovated and remodeled for the purpose of hosting the 30th anniversary prayer, which served as the official opening of the hall for public use.
A prominent son of the deceased, Senator Ganiu Olanrewaju Solomon, popularly known as GOS, and his elder sister Alhaja Bilikisu Akinyemi, led other children as well as grandchildren and other family members in organizing the anniversary prayer in honour of their late father who was a revered muslim and an astute politician during his lifetime.
The event recorded an impressive attendance of Islamic Scholars and clerics, members of Alasalatu groups, Jammah (members) of various central and Ratibi (Branches) mosques in Mushin as well as representatives and officials of Lagos State Government and Mushin Local Government, notable politicians, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon Political Group/Supporters Christian clerics, market women and men, traditional rulers and chiefs as well as other eminent dignitaries, who had started arriving the venue as early as 8a.m to be part of the event.
Also in attendance was Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Oba of Lagos, who was ably represented by a powerful delegate which included the White Cap chiefs and his staff of office.
The rich list of attendance at the event, which cut across different walks of life, gave credence to the comments made by some guests that Late R. I. Solomon was a man, who traversed and related well with people from different fields, especially politics and Islamic religion where his indelible impacts and footprints are still significant reference points in Mushin, his base and Lagos State thirty years after his death.
So, it was no surprise that the anniversary prayer event turned out as an avenue for his children, family members, Muslim community, politicians and others, who had related with him in one way or the other while alive, to honour and eulogize him and his enduring legacy as an exemplary honest politician, a beloved family man and a devout Muslim fateful, who has continue to be a source of inspiration to many even in death.
The event kicked off at exactly 10:45a.m with an opening prayer by Sheikh (Alhaji) Sulaiman Olanijo, Chief Imam of Mushin Central Mosque and a short recitation from the Holy Quran by Alhaji Abdul-Quadri Abdul-Fatai Agiri respectively.
These were immediately followed by a brief but powerful Fidau prayer (prayer for the dead) during which Chief Imam Muqadas Muhammed Awwal led the gathering in reciting several selected Surahs of the Holy Quran in remembrance of Allah and also in seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercies for the departed soul of Alhaji Solomon.
Also, Sheikh (Alhaji) Ganiyu Ibrahim led the Alfas at in reading the entire Quran to further seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercies for the deceased.
After the prayer session, Senator Solomon and his siblings led family members, friends, guests and well-wishers in giving monetary donations in appreciation of the prayers rendered for their late father.
There were also brief lectures from the trio of Hon. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Sheikh Ridwan Sanusi Zugloo and Sheikh Abdul-Fatai Athaqofy, leader of ISFAT Society.
In his own lecture, Hon. Abdul-Lateef Abdul-Hakeem stated that the reason why people are living a restless and unfulfilled life is as a result of their failure to establish a good relationship with Allah in all their dealings.
He explained that for people to establish a good relationship with Allah, they must always be thankful to Him for His grace upon them, be humble irrespective of their status in life and also fear Him in all their dealings.
Hon. Abdul-Hakeem assured that when people do all these, they would not only experience peace in their life, Allah would also grant them His endless mercies and faviour in this world and Hereafter.
He described Alhaji Solomon as a man who lived a fulfilled and exemplary life and prayed that Allah should forgive him sins and grant him eternal rest.
Sheikh Ridwan Sanusi Zugloo, in his own lecture urged muslims to be steadfast in their belief and worship of Allah irrespective of their condition in life.
He also advised politicians and leaders to have the fear of God in their dealings with their followers and to always fulfill promises made to them.
While corroborating Sheikh Zugloo’s statements in his own lecture, Sheikh Abdul-Fatai Athaqofy urged the wealthy to be fair in their relationship with the poor, stating that Allah has blessed them because of those that do not have.
He also urged the poor to accept their condition as the will of Allah and should not be envious of those that are rich or aggressive in their demands from them.
The event also featured brief prayer session for the children of the deceased, his family as well as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos State and Nigeria.
The event was rounded off with a vote of thanks and closing prayers by Senator Ganiyu Solomon and Sheikh Hassan Katibi, Chief Missioner, Ansar-ul-Deen, Mushin Branch, respectively.
Meanwhile, one of the children of the deceased, Alhaja Bilikisu Akinyemi, while speaking with Oriwu Sun, said she is very proud to have had Alhaji Solomon as a father while she also described him as a very lovely and caring father who was extremely passionate about the welfare and education of all his children.
She stated that her father was a devout Muslim, who ensured that his children were trained on the path of Allah and also encouraged them to always rely on Him in every situation they find themselves.
Alhaja Akinyemi described the massive attendance recorded at the anniversary prayer event as a reflection of the cordial and exemplary relationship which her father had with people from diverse areas of life during his lifetime.
Also, Alhaja Memunat Ajao, Women Leader, Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon Political Group, described Alhaji Solomon as a very good man and experienced politician, who was well respected for his patience and brand of politics which was devoid of bitterness and violence.
Alhaja Ajao recalled the major role played by Alhaji Solomon in the nomination and emergence of Alhaji Lateef Jakande as Governor of Lagos State and how he also supported him to ensure that he succeeded.
She also commended Senator Solomon for emulating his late father in all his political engagements and wished him more success in his future political ambition.
Chief R.A. Shitta, the Olisa of Ipakodo, where Alhaji Solomon was a councilor during the regime of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, while speaking briefly to Oriwu Sun, also commended the contributions of the deceased to the development of the town.
He particularly lauded Alhaji Solomon for using his political connections and closeness to the Jakande’s government to influence the upgrading of Ipakodo’s Baaleship to Obaship.
In the same vein, Alhaji Abubakre Saliu, the Chief lecturer of Ipakodo Central Mosque, in a short interview also commended late Solomon for the role he played in ensuring the electrification of Ipakodo Central Mosque and the entire town.
He explained that the deceased’s massive contributions to the development of Ipakodo Central Mosque earned him the title of Arowosadinni of Ipakodo Central Mosque.
Alhaji Saliu also described Alhaji Solomon as a compassionate philanthropist who assisted many people with his wealth.
Alhaji (Chief) R.I. Solomon died on May 13, 1988 at the age of 65 years.
He was the Seriki Musulumi of Lagos State, President of Riyalili Janat Islamic Society of Nigeria; Vice President of United Council of Nigeria (UMC); Chairman of Zumuratul Hujaj of Lagos State; Chairman General of Zumuratul Hujaj of Nigeria and Arowosadini of Ipakodo Central Mosque.
Dignitaries at the event
Sheikh (Alhaji) Sulaiman Olanijo, Chief Imam of Mushin
- Chief Imam Raimi Fatai, Imam Riyadul Janat, Ikorodu
- Alhaji Tajudeen Yusuf, Member Solomon Group
- Chief Imam Abdulganiu Ibrahim, Missioner UMC, Mushin Division
- Chief Imam Mudkadas Lawal, Tijaniyyah Central Mosque
- Alhaji Idris Mamood, Chief Imam Nupe of Lagos
- Alfa Ganiu Bello, Darul Fala Institution, Amukoko
- Chief Imam Lateef Ganiyu Jeje, Imam, Papa Ajao Community Central Mosque
- Alhaji (Imam) Mutado, Leader Ratibi Mushin Land
- Alhaji Abdulkadri Agiri, National Deputy Missioner Ismuf
- Lateef Aderibigbe Asose, Opeluwa, Onido of Lagos State
- Chief Adesoji Ajayi Bembe, Obanikoro of Lagos State
- Chief Waidi Olalekan Yussuf, Olorogun Aabeje of Lagos State
- Chief Lamina Olaseni Sasi, Sasi of Lagos State
- Chief Hamed Akasoro, Asogbon of Lagos State
- Chief Rafiu Abayomi Olusi, Egbe of Lagos State
- Chief Waidi Afeni, Sasore of Lagos State
- Chief Omogbolahan Durosimi, Suenu of Lagos State
- Chief Ibikunle Adio Bailey, Oluwo of Lagos State
- Chief Tajudeen Etti, Etti of Lagos State
- Chief H. A. Solomon, Baale Majidun Awori Ikorodu
- Chief A. R. O. Shitta, Olisa of Ipakodo
- His Royal Majesty, Oba Samuel Alamu Onikosi, Onikosi of Ikosi.
- Badru Habeeb Adeniran, Principal, Ansar-Ud-deen Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos
- Alhaji Lateef Sadiq, Otun Baba Adinni of Ikorodu Central Mosque
- Honourable Seye Oladejo, Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Government Relations of Lagos State
- Alhaja Fatimah Oyefeso, Representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State
- Bolaji Yusuf Ayila, Member, Federal House of Representative, Mushin II
- Honourable, Ajala Rasaq, Chairman Odi-Olowo, LCDA
- Honourable E. O. Bamigboye, Chairman, Mushin Local Government
- Baba Alado Toridi Faronbi, Olori-ebi Papa Alagbeji/Akinrogun of Isolo kingdom
- Ibrahim Alafia
- Oluwafemi Solomon, the Olori-Ebi of Solomon family
- Alhaji Sheikh Abdul Ganiu Ibrahim
- Prince Bayo Osiyemi, former Chairman, Mushin Local Government
- Honourable Abdul-Sohur Olawale-Omotiti; Member, Lagos State House of Assembly
- Pastor Taiwo Akinsola
- Honourable Yemi Ali and wife
- Alhaji (Chief) Sakirudeen Osinusi
- Sheikh Hassan Katibi, Chief Missioner, Ansarudeen, Mushin branch
- United Muslim Council (UMC) Alasalatu Group
- NASFAT Alasalatu Group, Mushin branch
- Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon Political Group/supporters.
