Tijani Adediji’s Moment of Glory in Ede
Olumide Lawal
The children and other family members of late Papa Tijani Ayinde Adedijji (a.k.a Baba Port-Harcourt) of Ikolaba Compound, held the ancient city of Ede spell-bound for three days – Thursday, 23rd March, through Saturday, March 25, 2017 - as they gave their father of blessed memory, befitting final burial ceremonies, that was kingly and majestic. Ede literally stood still for the patriarch of the Adediji family of Ikolaba Compound, Ede. Pa Adediji, answered the call of Almighty God on 16th March, 2017 at the ripe age of 85.
Hundreds of friends and associates of the deceased children, namely, Alhaji Hakeem Adediji, Kola Kazeem Adediji; Mrs. Adefunke Fashola, Alhaji Lukman Adediji, Olajire Rofiyat Adediji, Abiola Oyedeji Adediji and Omolayo Adediji travelled from far and near, to honour them and indeed the deceased, who in life as in death, loomed larger than life.
Baba Port-Harcourt, came, saw and went back to his creator a fulfilled man. This great son of Edeland, who spent some part of his life as a staff of Public Works Department carved a niche for himself, as far as selfless and dignified service to humanity was concerned. He was a success story, who was likeable and lovable by all in Ede. He carried himself with honour and simple approach to worldly affairs.
Born in 1932, Pa Tijani Adediji had a very humble beginning and made the best use of every opportunity, that his limited education offered him. He was a great socialite and a good mixer, who did not lose sight of adherence to his chosen religion of Islam, which he faithfully practiced, till he breathed his last. Pa Tijani Ayinde Adediji so much valued education, that he gave his children the best of it, believing that education is the lasting legacy, any parent could bequeath to his children. The children in turn gave a good account of themselves. They are all successful in their different professional endeavours.
To show the great respect, the children attached to their late father, one of them, Engineer Kola Kazeem Adediji, flew in all the way from Singapore to give his father a befitting farewell. And when it was time for the 8th Day Islamic Fidau Prayer, the amiable children spared no efforts and expenses, to ensure, that all went well for their guests. It was a carnival of sort that will remain the talk of town for a long time to come. Ede became a ‘Mecca’ of sort, as Pa Adediji’s children well-wishers from London, U.S.A and other parts of Nigeria, were just very eager to partake of the events as a show of solidarity, Prayer by top Islamic clerics, drawn from various denominations in Edeland were offered at Oke-Gada, Ede, the residence of the deceased. And all the children gave a good account of themselves. The Ansarudeen, Zumurat Islamiya, NASFAT, among others had a field day. Alhaj Abdul-Ganiy Abidoun Adediji, who is the OLORI EBI, was available to put smiles on the faces of the Alfas.
The Alfas left happier than they came. On Friday, March 24, 2017, the children of Pa Adediji sent prayer mats and ablution kettles to all Jumat Mosques in Ede, as a further demonstration of their appreciation to Allah for a life well lived by their father.
The grand reception for guests shifted to Western Sun Hotel, where the sons and daughters of late Pa Adediji played perfect hosts to their guests. On the bandstand was Olu Mighty from Ile-Ife, who dished out sonorous high life hits that sent guests, old and young rocking the dance floor.
Speaking about his late father, Engineer Kola Kazeem Adediji, who is resident in Singapore, said apart from God Almighty, he owes every inch of his success in life to the prayers and solid support his father, gave him, just like his other siblings. His father he said ensured that they embrace western education, through his meager resources.
He described his father as a complete and undiscriminatory family man, who gave equal attention and love to them all – immediate and extended family members.
The final burial ceremonies of Pa Tijani Ayinde Adediji will linger on and treasured for a very long time to come. It was a moment Ede people stood up in solidarity and love with THE ADEDIJIS OF IKOLABA COMPOUND. It was truly, a moment of honour for the deceased. It was a day, the Lord giveth. Goodbye and good night, Pa Tijani Ayinde Adediji
–Omo Ede Mapo Arogun, Omo a ji lala Oso.