Daddah Family, Abiodun, Adeola Honour Late Alhaja Sherifat At 8th Day Fidau, Final Burial

The family of Hon. Rasak Oluwakemi Daddah, alongside Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, political leaders, traditional rulers and Islamic clerics, on Monday, October 26, 2026, gathered at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, to honour the late Alhaja Sherifat Ayinke Daddah, née Kalejaiye, at her eighth-day Fidau prayer and final burial ceremony.

The 72-year-old matriarch was remembered for her compassion, entrepreneurial achievements, devotion to her family and commitment to caring for children, including those beyond her immediate biological family.

Governor Abiodun, who joined other dignitaries in paying tribute to the deceased, described her positive impact on the lives of others as an enduring measure of her worth, urging the bereaved family to preserve the values she represented.

Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding her death, the Governor noted that the family had suffered the loss only about 11 or 12 days earlier, observing that moments of grief often came when people were least prepared.

He stressed that good and bad things happen to good people and that tragedy is not reserved for those who have done wrong. He urged the gathering to draw strength from their faith in Almighty God and to respond to bereavement with compassion, humility and acceptance.

Abiodun particularly highlighted the deceased’s commitment to caring for children, including those who were not her biological offspring. He praised her generosity and extended motherhood, describing the lives she touched as part of the legacy she left behind.

According to the Governor, public office, wealth and social standing are temporary, but the good people do for others can endure long after their passing.

On behalf of his family, the people and the Government of Ogun State, Abiodun expressed condolences to the Daddah and Kalejaiye families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul.

The Governor’s tribute complemented an emotional account by her son, Hon. Rasak Daddah, who described his mother as his beloved mum, strength, support system and pillar.

Daddah said he was still struggling to accept her death and found it difficult to put together a tribute to a woman whose sacrifices helped raise him and his siblings.

Addressing her affectionately as Mummy and Iya Rasaki, he described her as an extraordinary woman who taught him to live for others, help neighbours, practise modesty, make peace and intervene in resolving difficult disputes.

He also credited her with teaching him entrepreneurship, hard work and perseverance, values he said were reflected in her own business journey.

According to him, his mother began by trading in rice before expanding into the importation of fabrics, flat plates, dinner sets and other household items. She later ventured into exporting agricultural produce, including cashew nuts, chilli peppers, ginger, shea nuts and sesame seeds.

Her business activities took her to several destinations, including China, Thailand, South Korea, Austria and Bombay, now known as Mumbai, India. Daddah described her as a woman who excelled in the various businesses she undertook.

He expressed gratitude for her struggles and support in helping him establish himself in business and pursue a political career, saying she remained a significant presence throughout his political journey.

Her absence, he said, was particularly painful because she would not be alive to witness what he hoped would be the fruition of her sacrifices, as he looks towards representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027, by God's grace.

“But God knows best,” he said.

Daddah described his mother as his first home, quiet strength and safest harbour, adding that her unconditional love, laughter and the values she instilled in him would remain part of his life.

He concluded his tribute with a prayer that Allah would grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus, the highest level of Paradise.

The ceremony attracted a broad gathering of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, media representatives, family members and other sympathisers, many of whom came to identify with the bereaved family.

Among the dignitaries acknowledged by Governor Abiodun were Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; Senator Lekan Mustapha, identified in the address as Director-General of the presidential and governorship campaign structures in Ogun State; Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi; and Commissioner for Finance Dapo Okubadejo.

The Governor also recognised the presence of serving and former political office holders, members of the Ogun State Executive Council and local government chairmen, noting that their attendance reflected their support for the bereaved son and his family.

Other dignitaries included Hon. James Dina, APC Ogun State Vice Chairman; Hon. Yemi Adelani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ogun State Housing Corporation; Dr. Lateef Temitayo Aramide Lawal, Special Adviser on Health to the Ogun State Governor; and Hon. Babatunde Olawunmi, Special Adviser on Special and General Duties.

Also acknowledged were Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government; Otunba Dr. Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo; Hon. Funmi Efuwape; the Head of the Teaching Service Commission; Bishop Sonyaolu; and other political and public office holders.

The Governor also acknowledged Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kalejaiye, a cousin of the deceased, and representatives of the media, including the chief executive of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

Traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Adewoye, and the Lipa of Molipa, Oba Adeyemi Odunbena, alongside other royal fathers.

Islamic clerics present included the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; the Naibu of Ijebuland, Alhaji Eyinfunjowo Nureni Alakewu; the Eketa Adinni of Ijebuland, Alhaji Abdulwahab Adeniyi; the day's preacher, Alhaji Ademoye; and Mufti Alhaji Shile Rufai.

Alhaja Sherifat Ayinke Daddah, née Kalejaiye, held several religious leadership titles, including Iya Adinni of Ansarudeen of Ijebuland, Iya Adinni of Shabab Raodatul Islam in Lagos State, Iya Adinni of Ansarudeen, Okota, Lagos State, and Osupa Adinni of the Raodatul Ni'mat Society of Nigeria.

The eighth-day Fidau prayer and final burial ceremony, organised by the Daddah and Kalejaiye families, served as an occasion to celebrate the life of a woman whose influence extended from her family and business interests to the many children and individuals she supported.

Through the tributes delivered at the gathering, the late Alhaja Daddah was remembered as a devoted mother, enterprising businesswoman and compassionate caregiver whose legacy, her family and admirers hope, will continue through the lives she touched.