Ambassador – Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, the High Commissioner for Nigeria in the United Kingdom has mourned the passing of Pa Sule Onabiyi, whom he described as a great father and an astute political leader.
Chief Onabiyi, grassroots politician, a prominent Egba chief and friend of journalists died at 85.
Reacting to it, Ambassador Sarafa said the octogenarian was a generous community leader, an adherent Muslim, a committed family man, a philanthropist, and most importantly, a humanist.
He also noted that the late politician’s wise counselling and fatherly dispositions would be greatly missed.
He stated, “Alhaji Chief Sule Onabiyi was Baba Adinni Ifo, Okanlomo of Egbaland – We have lost a great father. An astute political leader, a generous community leader, an adherent Muslim, a committed family man, a philanthropist, a socialite, and most importantly, a humanist.
“We will miss his wise counselling and fatherly dispositions. May Almighty Allah grant him aljanat firdaus and give the entire family the fortitude to bear his demise.”
Also, former governor Ibikunle Amosun has commiserated with family of Onabiyi over the death of their patriarch, describing the late politician as a respected elder statesman, grassroots politician, philanthropist, and a notable community leader.
Senator in his condolence message said Chief Onabiyi contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria, through his selfless service as Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
He also described the ex – local government boss as a great lover of the masses, a kind-hearted leader, and a man of admirable carriage, who would be remembered for the many lives he touched positively through his philanthropic gesture.
“I commiserate with the wife, Alhaja Risikat Onabiyi, the children, the entire Onabiyi family of Ifo, Ogun State, and indeed the good people of the State, on the passing of the Baba Adini of Ifo, Chief Suleiman Onabiyi, on Sunday, 22 October, 2023 at the age of 85 years.
“Chief Onabiyi is a respected elder statesman, a grassroots politician, philanthropist, and a notable community leader who contributed immensely to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria, through his selfless service as Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chairman of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority, and Chairman of the Elders Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, among others.
“A great lover of the masses, a kind-hearted leader, and a man of admirable carriage, Chief Onabiyi will be remembered for the many lives he touched positively through his philanthropic gesture, and for his devotion and commitment to the cause of the Almighty Allah (SWT).
“I am deeply touched that our political family has been depleted of a committed leader, a great supporter, and a father figure. I thank the Almighty Allah (SWT) for his life and the indelible legacies he left behind.
“It is my prayer that Allah (SWT) will grant Chief Sule Onabiyi Aljannah Firdaus, and give his wife, children, grandchildren, and the entire family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Amosun stated.
