Ilorin’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Sulyman Faruq Onikijipa, has revealed that the late Sheikh Isiaka Sulaiman Ajimati, elder brother to the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, once told him he had prayed earnestly for his brother’s rise in national affairs.

Speaking during the fidau prayer at the Sulaiman family house in Oke-Leru, Ilorin, Sheikh Onikijipa, said the late cleric wished his younger brother would attain greatness, including becoming a governor.

Ajimati, who died on June 11, was a respected Islamic scholar known across Cotonou, Abidjan, Lagos, and Ilorin.

A 1987 graduate of Markaz, Agege, he spent decades in Islamic propagation.

“Sheikh Al-Bayan,” as he was fondly called, was deeply spiritual and selfless, the Grand Mufti said, recalling a moment from 1983 when the late cleric confided in him during a prayer session about his dreams for his brother’s future.

“He told me as far back as 1983 that his wish for his brother, who is an academic, was for him to attain a high status in life, including becoming a governor. That prayer was a testament to his love and vision,” Sheikh Onikijipa said, urging the bereaved to stay patient and reflect on the transient nature of life.

He advised Professor Sulaiman to take solace in the will of Allah, assuring him that divine comfort would follow.

Grand Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulyman Abubakar Sooro (Dan Borno), also urged the NILDS DG to uphold family unity and continue his legacy of kindness.

The fidau, led by Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Saliu, drew dignitaries including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his adviser, Alhaji Saad Salahudeen.

Others included former NNPCL board member, Dr Ghali Alaya, Grand Khadi of Kwara, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen, ex-Grand Khadi Justice Saliu Mohammed, Lagos lawmaker Hon Lukman Olumo, a visiting Minister from Cotonou, Alhaji Sefiyullah, and former state officials.

The list also include former Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Hajia Ayinke Saka; former Chief Press Secretary to a former governor, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe; and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Usman Bibire Ajape among others.

Officials from NILDS and community leaders also attended the solemn gathering.