Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Islamic clergy, Political leaders, traditional rulers and well-wishers converged at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode to bid a final farewell to Alhaja Sherifat Ayinke Daddah (nee Kalejaiye) during her eighth-day Fidau prayer in respect after burial ceremony.
The 72-year-old matriarch was fondly remembered as a pillar of strength, a savvy global entrepreneur, and a devoted mother whose generosity extended far beyond her biological household.
Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun led the tributes, drawing comfort from faith while addressing the grieving family. Observing that the loss came unexpectedly just days prior, the Governor reminded attendees that life's trials are not a reflection of wrongdoing, urging everyone to respond to grief with humility, strength, and acceptance.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that earthly status and wealth are fleeting, but the positive footprint one leaves on others remains eternal. He praised the late matriarch's wide-reaching compassion and her dedication to nurturing children.
Prominent figures in attendance included Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Senator Lekan Mustapha, Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, Finance Commissioner Dapo Okubadejo, various executive council members and several royal fathers, including the Moyegeso of Itele and the Lipa of Molipa. Leading Islamic clerics, headed by the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo offered prayers for the departed soul.
In an intensely moving address, the deceased's, Hon. Rasak Oluwakemi Daddah, described his mother as his closest confidante, safety harbor, greatest motivator and a mentor of inestimable value. Struggling to capture her remarkable life in words, he credited her with teaching him, and his siblings virtues of community service, dispute resolution and perseverance. She trained and other adopted children.
Tracing her remarkable business journey, Hon. Daddah highlighted how she built a dynamic enterprise starting from rice trading before expanding into the importation of high-end household goods and exporting agricultural commodities like cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and ginger to markets across Asia and Europe, including China, Thailand, South Korea, and India.
Though mourning the void left behind especially as he looks toward future milestones in public service he expressed deep gratitude for her foundational sacrifices.
Alhaja Sherifat Daddah held esteemed religious positions, serving as the Iya Adinni of Ansarudeen o baa 5tf Ijebuland, alongside prominent leadership roles in Lagos Islamic societies.
The ceremony concluded with prayers led by Islamic clerics, with family and admirers celebrating a remarkable life dedicated to faith, enterprise, and unconditional love, praying that Almighty Allah grants her Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
