Leaders from all walks of life today stormed the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan for the eighth day fidau prayer of late Alhaji Aderemi Tohir Sanni, the husband of Yeyeluwa of Edeland, Mrs Dupe Adeleke – Sani.
Governor Seyi Makinde and top officials of the Osun state government joined the Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and global business mogul, Dr Adedeji Adeleke at the Fidau prayer which was attended by family members, friends and associates of late Sanni and the Adeleke dynasty.
The prayer session which was conducted by a team of top ranking islamic clerics was led by Sheikh Akanni Olorunlomerue with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; the House Speaker, Rt Honourable Adewale Egbedun; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, Hon Bamidele Sallam and the State Chairman of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON), Hon Sarafadeen Awotunde Spain leading members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, Forum of Special Advisers, Forum of Senior Special Assistants, Board Chairmen and top officials in the prayer .
Leading traditional rulers from Oyo state were led by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Adeoye Ghandi while the Timi of Ede Land, Oba Muniru led other top traditional rulers from Osun state to the event.
The widow and the matriarch of the Adeleke dynasty in her tribute described late Sanni as exceptionally supportive of her vision, noting that “his boldness and can-do spirit is infectious.
“From him, I deepened my sense of persistence in pursuing my agenda and plans. From his daring exploits, I solidified my vision of achievements and attainments in worldly and religious matters”, Mrs Adeleke-Sanni noted
Governor Adeleke in his tribute said “we lost a mentor, a strong adviser, a facilitator and a pillar of support , before assuming office and now in government. Our late father was a selfless and public spirited leader, a colossus in business, politics and religious world.
“In days of political wars, we find the later leader a calm and calculated point, offering invaluable advice and counsel. On many critical occasions he stood out for us, providing his insights and inputs that were very potent.
“I pay tribute to his decades of partnership not just with my sister , his wife , but the entire Adeleke dynasty. Our family has lost a strong ally, a man who selflessly backed the family on several fronts. We praise his legacy as a family ; we salute his courage; and we applaud his philanthropism in service of God and man”, the Governor stated.
The Adeleke University in a tribute by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Solomon Ajayi Adebola said the sudden departure to eternal glory of Alhaji Aderemi Sanni is a personal loss to the management, academic and student communities of the Adeleke University, noting that “this transition is felt deeply by the university for many reasons.
“In our foundation and growth, Alhaji Sanni was a regular face with key roles in our development. At our take off and progression, Alhaji was a logistic supporter, a leader who supervised our makeup and is therefore part of our success story as a university
“We cannot forget in a hurry his multiple contributions even when the university has come of age. Alhaji Sanni was a constant factor as he remained ever available to assist in the growth of the university.
“Aside from being our promoter and supporter, the deceased was a strong partner and husband of the mother of the university, Chief ( Mrs) Dupe Adeleke-Sanni. As a couple , the history of the university won’t be complete without full reference to the duo.
“As a university, we raise a flag of commendation, appreciation and gratitude for a life well spent, for indelible contributions to our academic growth and to decades of philanthropy for the young and the old”, the university boss posited.
