Political leaders in the major parties in Oyo State, in a remarkable display of camaraderie, on Sunday put aside their rivalries to pay tribute to the late Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola, mother of Chief Ademola Babalola, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Oyo State.
The occasion, the 8th day fidau prayer and entertainment of guests, which marked the conclusion of the burial ceremonies for Madam Babalola, also saw an impressive assemblage of the who’s who in the hierarchy of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
At the event, held at the Elekuro High School, Ibadan playground on Sunday, November 10, 2024, political figures exchanged pleasantries and condolences amidst a backdrop of genuinely shared grief over the demise of the matriarch of the Babalola Family, and many observers expressed the hope that the same spirit of unity could transcend into future political discourse in Oyo State.
Alhaja Wulemot Aweni Babalola, who passed away on November 2 at the age of 76, was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions the following day. Her demise had sparked an unprecedented gathering of political figures at her memorial, which emphasised the enduring power of shared humanity even amidst the political fray.
A statement on Monday by the Media Sub-Committee of the Fidau programme led by Comrade Seye Ojo, who is also the Vice Chairman of NUJ in Oyo State; Comrade Sam Nwaoko, the Chairman, NUJ, Tribune Chapel; Comrade Dupe Fehintola, Chairperson, BCOS Chapel; and Comrade Olamide Adeniji, the Secretary of NUJ Information Chapel (NUJIC), on behalf of the Central Planning Committee, said the deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal, represented Governor Seyi Makinde on the occasion.
The assemblage of dignitaries in attendance included prominent leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
As the programme was marked by a spirit of fellowship and mutual respect by the various dignitaries across political and social lines, observers noted that it could be a glimpse into a potential thawing of hostilities in the political landscape of Oyo State.
National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, was represented at the event by the Deputy National President, Mallam Alhassan Yahaya. The roll call of NUJ bigwigs included the Vice President of B-Zone of the union, Mrs. Ronke Afebioye Samo, and Secretary of the zone, Abdulrasaq Alege, National Trustee of the union. Comrade Adebayo Akamo.
The list also comprised the Chairmen of the union in Lagos (Adeleye Ajayi), Ogun (Wale Olanrewaju), Osun (Wasiu Ajadosu) and Secretary of the union in Ondo State,
Meshach Olaluwa, who represented his chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite.
Among the key attendees from the APC were a former Senate Leader and the party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin; and former chairman, National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle.
The Acting Chairman of APC in the state, Alhaji Moshood Olayide Abas; a former ALGON chairman in the state, Hon Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye; a notable politician in the state, Alhaji Adebisi Olopoeniyan, were also in attendance.
A former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, was also physically present at the programme.
They were joined by various local government chairmen, including the Chairman of Association of Local Governments (ALGON) in the state and Chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Hon Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; former publicity secretary of PDP in the state, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, who is the Chairman of Oluyole Local Government; as well as the Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Dr. Kolapo Glorious, also of the PDP.
Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Hon Akeem Ademola Ige, who is a former chairman of Ibadan South-East Local Government and former member, Oyo State House of Assembly, as well as Chairman of Solution FM, Ibadan, Chief Adegboyega Adegoke, equally graced the occasion.
Popular gospel music artiste and Chairman of Fresh FM, Ibadan, Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, was also in attendance.
Chief Executive Officer, Bellagio Air and the visionary behind American International University Nigeria and The American Polytechnic of Nigeria, Dr. Dare Akande, also added colour to the programme.
The deputy governor of the state, Lawal, used the occasion to reflect on the exemplary life of Madam Babalola, stating “She lived a life worthy of emulation,” and offered prayers for the strength of her family in their time of loss. He drew attention to the unity at the event as a significant sign that unity could prevail over division, even in challenging times.
Senator Folarin, who featured on the Red Carpet of the programme, lauded the inclusive atmosphere, noting, “The caliber of guests here reflects that Demola Babalola has built bridges across Niger and all around the country.”
He stressed the deep respect the community holds for the late matriarch, asserting, “People will remember the legacy that Mama left behind.”
The heartwarming tributes did not stop there. The NUJ Deputy President, Alhassan Yahaya, commended Ademola Babalola for embodying the values instilled by his mother, which have clearly influenced his successful career as a journalist.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, also led a high-powered delegation of the state police command to Elekuro High School, Ogbere-Onilanta, Olorunsogo, Ibadan, the venue of the programme to honour the Oyo NUJ Chairman. In the CP’s entourage was the Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, Mr. Adewale Osifeso.
Thanking the attendees, Ademola Babalola reflected on the vital role his mother played in his upbringing, saying, “My mother lived a life worthy of emulation. She was a religious woman and a community leader.
“I cannot but thank everyone and organisations that contributed to the success of this programme, including the security agencies.”
