Despite its a known fact that death is the expected end of every mortal, a cognitive factor that makes us human and a reference of our temporal time on earth, the consequence still brings along sore and regretable feeling when it happens.Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un, ʾinnā li-llāhi wa-ʾinnā ʾilayhi rājiʿūna), meaning “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we return. Quran(2:156)”
Hon. Adesayo Yahaya Ismail, my beloved brother, friend, colleague, and a very close ally, your death happened abruptly, and till this very moment of pening this tribute, am still submerged in rude shock, harrowing pain and disbelief of your transition. Such feelings are understandable, owing to your loving personality, helpful disposition, and the level of your closeness to me and my entire family. You showed me love and in the same vein loyal to the relationship we share to the admiration of everyone who knew us.
You were a responsible family man, a dedicated community development enthusiast, an accountant who knew his onions, a devoted Muslim ummah, progressive to the core, and a politician that places the collective good of the people above self. Kogi state has lost a good governance advocate, Okun land has lost one of her brilliant souls, ijumu land has lost an advocate of peace, Aiyegunle gbede land has lost an illustrious son, and for me, am already feeling the gap left by an unwavering partner in progress.
Without micing words, I will sorely feel your absence and support in this uncertain earthly sojourn. Just last month, you were at ilaro in Ogun state for a religious programme, where you offered prayers for myself, the progress of the state, our beloved Governor, and Governor-elect, without forgetting to awaken the consciousness of bethren at the program to the ephemerity of life and their account to Almighty Allah at the end. You were not infallible, but you remain guided against mundane falls because you held on to the words of Almighty Allah.
Your commitment to progressive ideology and the growth of our party APC is unrivalled. The love you have towards His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, was contagious. You were a Kogites with untainted patriotism. Your loyalty to the party can not be faulted. Even till death calls, you were at a meeting to ensure the party remained on the path of stability, unity, and success. All this culminated to the promotion you enjoyed of late, with the promise of more to come, but the sting of death struck.
Even though your death dealt a heavy blow on me with my heart deeply broken, I refuse to be shatered because I am very sure your soul has gained a comfortable repose with Almighty allah. I also find solace in Allah’s sacred word, ” when their specified time arrives, they can not delay it for a single hour, nor can they bring it forward” (Quran 16:61). Your time has come, and as humans, we can not do anything about it, but I am a witness about the Indelible mark you left!
My heartfelt condolences to his beloved wife, children, and the entire family for this grievous knock, praying God grant them the requisite comfort and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. My heart also goes to the Aiyegunle gbede community, APC family, and all that has crossed his path while alive, may God Almighty console us all.
May Almighty allah forgive your shortcomings and grant your soul aljana firdaus
Signed;
Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris,FCA
Hon. Commissioner of Finance,Budget and Economic Planning,Kogi State
