Abiodun, Yayi, Others Honour Late Businesswoman Sherifat Daddah at Eighth-Day Fidau

 Abiodun, Yayi, Others Honour Late Businesswoman Sherifat Daddah at Eighth-Day Fidau

Ogun State Governor, political leaders, traditional rulers and Islamic clerics celebrate the late matriarch’s legacy of entrepreneurship, compassion and devotion to motherhood.

The family of Hon. Rasak Oluwakemi Daddah, alongside Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and other prominent personalities, on Monday, October 26, 2026, gathered at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, to honour the late Alhaja Sherifat Ayinke Daddah, née Kalejaiye, at her eighth-day Fidau prayer and final burial ceremony.

The 72-year-old businesswoman and family matriarch was celebrated for her entrepreneurial achievements, generosity, devotion to her family and commitment to caring for children, including those beyond her immediate biological family.

The ceremony attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, Islamic clerics, government officials, family members and other sympathisers who gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased and offer support to the bereaved family.

Governor Abiodun, who joined other dignitaries in paying tribute to the late Alhaja Daddah, described her positive impact on the lives of others as an enduring measure of her worth.

He urged her family to preserve the values she represented, stressing that compassion, generosity and service to humanity were among the legacies that continued to give meaning to a person's life long after death.

Reflecting on the family's loss, the Governor observed that bereavement often came when people were least prepared and that the death of a loved one was not necessarily a reflection of wrongdoing.

He encouraged the bereaved family and other sympathisers to draw strength from their faith in Almighty God, noting that good and bad experiences were part of the human journey.

Abiodun particularly commended the deceased for extending her care and affection to children who were not her biological offspring, describing her commitment to their welfare as evidence of her compassionate disposition.

According to him, public office, wealth and social standing were temporary, but the positive contributions people made to the lives of others could endure beyond their lifetime.

On behalf of his family, the people and the Government of Ogun State, the Governor extended his condolences to the Daddah and Kalejaiye families and prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased's soul.

Rasak Daddah Pays Emotional Tribute to Mother

In an emotional tribute, the deceased's son, Hon. Rasak Daddah, described his mother as his strength, support system and pillar, acknowledging the sacrifices she made to raise him and his siblings.

Addressing her affectionately as Mummy and Iya Rasaki, he said he was still struggling to come to terms with her death and found it difficult to put his feelings into words while reflecting on the enormous role she played in his life.

He described her as an extraordinary woman who taught him to live for others, assist neighbours, embrace modesty, promote peaceful coexistence and intervene in resolving difficult disputes.

Daddah also credited his mother with instilling in him the values of entrepreneurship, hard work and perseverance, principles he said were reflected in her own business journey.

According to him, Alhaja Sherifat began her commercial activities by trading in rice before expanding into the importation of fabrics, flat plates, dinner sets and other household items.

She subsequently ventured into the exportation of agricultural produce, including cashew nuts, chilli peppers, ginger, shea nuts and sesame seeds.

Her business activities took her to several international destinations, including China, Thailand, South Korea, Austria and Bombay, now known as Mumbai, India.

Daddah described his mother as a successful businesswoman who excelled in the various enterprises she pursued, demonstrating determination, resourcefulness and an enduring commitment to her work.

He expressed gratitude for her sacrifices and support, particularly her contributions to his establishment in business and subsequent pursuit of a political career.

According to him, she remained a significant presence throughout his political journey, offering support and encouragement as he navigated different stages of his public life.

The lawmaker said her absence was particularly painful because she would not be alive to witness what he hoped would be the fulfilment of her sacrifices, as he looked towards representing Ijebu Central Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027, by God's grace.

“But God knows best,” he said.

Describing his mother as his first home, quiet strength and safest harbour, Daddah said her unconditional love, laughter and the values she instilled in him would remain an enduring part of his life.

He concluded his tribute with a prayer that Allah would grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus, the highest level of Paradise.

Dignitaries Pay Their Respects

The Fidau ceremony brought together an array of political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and other prominent personalities who came to identify with the bereaved family.

Among those acknowledged by Governor Abiodun were Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; Senator Lekan Mustapha, identified at the event as Director-General of the presidential and governorship campaign structures in Ogun State; Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo.

Other dignitaries included Hon. James Dina, APC Ogun State Vice Chairman; Hon. Yemi Adelani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ogun State Housing Corporation; Dr. Lateef Temitayo Aramide Lawal, Special Adviser on Health to the Governor; and Hon. Babatunde Olawunmi, Special Adviser on Special and General Duties.

Also present were Hon. Lukman Adeleye, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, the Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Otunba Dr. Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo and Hon. Funmi Efuwape.

The Governor further acknowledged the presence of the Head of the Teaching Service Commission, Bishop Sonyaolu, other serving and former political office holders, members of the Ogun State Executive Council and local government chairmen.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kalejaiye, a cousin of the deceased, was also among those acknowledged, alongside media representatives, including the chief executive of Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

Traditional rulers at the ceremony included the Moyegeso of Itele, Oba Adewoye, and the Lipa of Molipa, Oba Adeyemi Odunbena, alongside other royal fathers.

The Islamic clerics in attendance included the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebuland, Sheikh Muftaudeen Ayanbadejo; the Naibu of Ijebuland, Alhaji Eyinfunjowo Nureni Alakewu; the Eketa Adinni of Ijebuland, Alhaji Abdulwahab Adeniyi; the day's preacher, Alhaji Ademoye; and Mufti Alhaji Shile Rufai.

A Distinguished Religious Legacy

Beyond her business accomplishments and family responsibilities, Alhaja Sherifat Ayinke Daddah held several religious leadership positions, reflecting her involvement in Islamic organisations and religious activities.

Her titles included Iya Adinni of Ansarudeen of Ijebuland, Iya Adinni of Shabab Raodatul Islam in Lagos State, Iya Adinni of Ansarudeen, Okota, Lagos State, and Osupa Adinni of the Raodatul Ni'mat Society of Nigeria.

These positions formed part of her wider contribution to religious life and community engagement.

The eighth-day Fidau prayer and final burial ceremony, organised by the Daddah and Kalejaiye families, provided an opportunity for relatives, friends, political associates and community members to celebrate her life and offer prayers for her soul.

Through the tributes delivered at the gathering, the late Alhaja Sherifat was remembered as a devoted mother, accomplished entrepreneur and compassionate caregiver whose influence extended beyond her immediate family.

Her business journey demonstrated the value of hard work and perseverance, while her commitment to supporting children and helping others underscored the importance of generosity and service to humanity.

As the Daddah and Kalejaiye families mourn her passing, the memories of her sacrifices, business achievements, maternal affection and contributions to the lives of others remain central to the legacy she leaves behind.