Family of Late Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Ismail Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, Kurunloju I organized 21-days fidau prayer for the late monarch on Saturday at the St Thomas Primary School field, Iroko, Akinyele local government area of Oyo state.
The fidau prayer which had the Popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Buhari Musa Ajokobi I as the guest lecturer also had in attendance several dignitaries from home and diaspora.
While speaking, the guest lecturer, Sheikh Buhari Musa urged the Muslim faithful to always obey the commandments of Almighty Allah adding that death will come to everyone unannounced.
Sheikh Buhari Musa said death is compulsory on everyone adding that whatever has a beginning must have an end.
He urged the family, community and everyone to see the demise of the late monarch as destined by God.
While speaking, the Chairman of Akinyele local government area, Honourable Wole Akinleye hailed the late monarch for his roles and impacts in the local government as the Chairman of the Akinyele Traditional Council and Ibadan Outer Cities Council of Obas.
The chairman who was represented by his vice, Mr Sakiru Akintunde said the gap the late monarch left will be difficult to fill.
Also speaking, Maye of Irokoland, Chief Lateef Olaniyan said the late monarch was a lover of peace. He added that he took the development of Iroko as a priority during his lifetime.
Family members, including Olori Modinat Oluwatoyin Abioye, Olori Christina Oladunni Abioye, Prince Adedolapo Abioye, and Princess Basirat Abioye described the late monarch as a good husband, father and lover of everyone without discrimination.
Speaking further, Prince Dolapo Abioye described his late father as a visionary who dedicated his life to bringing development to the town, saying his impact would be felt for generations to come.
Special prayer for the late monarch and family was made by the Chief Imam of Moniya, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Abdulkareem and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Akinyele LG, Pastor Sunday Ajasa.
Oba Ismail Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, Kurunloju 1 was born on the 9th of March, 1961 into the Abioye Ruling house of the Opeola-Oniroko Dynasty.
The late monarch became a teacher under the Oyo state government in 1983 and retired in 2012. He ascended the throne of Oniroko of Iroko on the 4th of February, 2011. He spent 14 years on the throne and died on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Dignitaries present at the fidau were Onijaiye of Ijaye, Oba Lasisi Akano, Onido of Ido, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola, Onikereku of Ikereku, Oba Olasunkanmi Akinyosoye, Alakinyele of Akinyele, Oba James Odeniran
Also present were Senator Yunus Akintunde who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Lawmaker representing Akinyele State Constituency 2, Hon. Olatunde Taofik Kehinde, Hon Justice R.B Akintola, Market leader, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, Representatives from Omo Ajorosun Club, Representatives of Chief Dotun Sanusi and others
