The Kwara state government has mourned the demise of a former Senator that represented Kwara South Senatorial District, North Central Nigeria at the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019, Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim
Ibrahim, 57, reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness.
The remains of Ibrahim were intered at about 4.00pm at the Muslim Cemetery, Irewolede area, Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Salihu led the burial (janazah) prayer.
The news of former federal lawmaker’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement signed by his aide, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir.
” It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, uncle, and brother, Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim.
“Senator Rafiu returned to his creator this morning, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and profound impact.
“We kindly request your prayers and support during this difficult time. His burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.
“We pray Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Al-jannah Firdaus. Ameen.”
Meanwhile, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye said the governor received with shock and profound sadness reports of the death of Senator Ibrahim.
The governor in the condolence message condoled with the family of the late senator, the people of Ojoku in Oyun local government area, and the Peoples Democratic Party. (PDP).
“This shocking development again reminds everyone of the inevitability of death for all human beings and the fact that it could come unannounced for anyone, according to the Governor.
“Governor AbdulRazaq prays to Allah to admit the senator to al-Jannah Firdaus and give comfort to his family members, political associates, and followers.”
In a similar condolence message, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Salihu-Danladi, said he received the news of Ibrahim’s death with a rude shock.
He recalled that Senator Ibrahim was a member of the 6th Kwara State House of Assembly between 2009 and 2011, describing him as a fine lawmaker who shone brilliantly both at the state and national levels.
*Late Rafiu Ibrahim was good to all, says Senator Saliu Mustapha *
Senator Saliu Mustapha, the Turaki of Ilorin and Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has also expressed shock and sadness over the passing of former Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim.
Senator Ibrahim, who represented Kwara South Senatorial District in the 8th Assembly, died at the age of 57 after a brief illness.
In a statement on his social media handles, Senator Mustapha described Senator Ibrahim’s death as a huge loss to his Ojoku community, Kwara South, and Kwara state as a whole, given his significant contributions to the state and country during his time in the state house of assembly, federal house of representatives, and senate.
Senator Mustapha remembered Senator Ibrahim as a good man who was loved by all, not just his people in Ojoku, but by all Nigerians.
“I was deeply shocked to learn of Senator Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim’s passing this morning. He was a prominent lawmaker in the 8th assembly and chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, who was never afraid to speak out on issues affecting Nigerians.
“He was passionate about the development of his hometown, Kwara South, and the state as a whole, and was a detribalized Nigerian who was well-loved by his people. On behalf of my family and the people of Kwara Central Senatorial District, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the HRH, Olojoku of Ojoku land, Oba AbdulRazaq Adegboyega Afolabi Iyiolaseni the third, the immediate and extended family of the late lawmaker, friends, and associates, as well as the entire people of Ojoku land. He will be deeply missed,” Senator Mustapha said.
He prayed that Allah would forgive Senator Ibrahim’s shortcomings, grant him Al-Janat Fridaus, and give the family and people of Ojoku land the strength to bear this great loss.
