Sultan of Sokoto, monarchs, Gen Olanrewaju, JAMB Registrar, others mourn, as Alhaji Kasumu Adefaka dies at 104
By MUHAMMAD ADEWALE
Former banker of the defunct Trust Bank, Cooperative Bank and Officer of Ondo State Cooperative and Marketing Produce Union (OSCMPU), Alhaji (Prince) Kasumu Yesufu Adefaka, has passed on.
The Galadima Muslim Community of Akure Kingdom died exactly 1:30am on Saturday January 4, 2025 at the age of 104.
Alhaji Adefaka was buried in accordance with Islamic rites after Solatul Asri on Saturday January 4 after a Janazah prayer led by the Chief Imam of Akure Kingdom, Dr. AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede.
The heir of the Adefaka Family, Mr. Babatunde Saliu Adefaka, disclosed the demise of his father in a statement dated Sunday January 5, 2025 saying, “Our father actually ended in peace while with us, his children, during a virtual family that started 11pm of Friday January 3 and lasted until his death came calling at 1:30am on Saturday January 4.
“We will miss him greatly because, in spite of everything, he brought us up based on values and respect for good names and contentment. Our father was a clean and pure minded leader of men who solved problems for families across religious lines and communities. May God accept him as good servant Amiin,” Mr. Babatunde Adefaka prayed.
According to eldest child of the Adefakas, “Among the children of my father we have myself, a former banker, a former Leventis manager, a stock broker, federal civil servants, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, a matron of public hospital and a Journalist, media proprietor and Member of the Media Team of Sultan of Sokoto Caliphate, among others.
“We invite all friends and well wishers to join us in praying for the repose of our beloved father in Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“Adieu! Our father, that is one in a million. We love you but Allah loves you more. Rest perfectly well and in peace with your Lord we shall meet again and part no more.,” he said.
Nigerian leaders mourn
Sultan of Sokoto
In the meantime, Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has reacted to the demise of the late Galadima, Alhaji Kasumu Adefaka.
The Sultan, who had earlier on Friday prayed for the good health and longer life for the centinarian, reacted the demise on Saturday saying, “Inna liLlah wa inna ilaihi rajiun!! Every soul shall taste death at Allah’s appointed time!! May He grant him and us Firdaus, amin!!! Our condolences and prayers are with entire family.”
General Olanrewaju
In his own condolence, former Minister of Communications and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) described Papa Adefaka as a leader who did well for his community and Islam.
Addressing his son, who is the General’s media and publicity consultant, General Olanrewaju said, Bashir, please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your father, Late Alhaji Kasumu Yesufu Adefaka, whose death was announced today.
“Your father was a Prince of Akure and a prominent prince of Isolo Palace in Akure. Your father lived a life of fulfilment, with a chequered careered history in the cocoa industry. The old man died at a very advanced age, which should make the entire children and families to be proud of and be grateful to Allah Subhanau Wa Ta’ala.
“You talked so much about how you loved your dad, but I know how deeply his absence would be felt by you. But let your love for him guide you.
“Your father was a devout Muslim and kept to his Islamic faith until he breathed his last and you are following his footsteps. Listen to this quote: “SAY NOT IN GRIEF ‘he is no more’. BUT IN THANKFULNESS THAT HE WAS.”
“May Papa’s soul rest in Aljanah fridous, Amin,” Maj Gen Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd) said.
Emir of Argungu
The Emir of Argungu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammadu Samaila Mera, said, “Inna lillahi wa Inna ilaihi rajiun.
May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus. May He also grant you and the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Amin. Please accept my condolence.”
Iralepo of Isinkan
The Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Oluwagbemiga Ogo Olofin-Adimula, was part of leaders who sent in their condolences on the demise of Alhaji Kasumu Yesufu Adefaka.
He said, “May his memory be eternal. Your father was a man of great character and love, and his influence will continue to guide us all. His legacy is a beacon of light in our lives. Am deeply sorry my brother.”
Osolo of Isolo
The Osolo of Isolo Land Akure South Local, Oba Edward Kolawole Adejoyegbe Adewole, Osalade II, Akesoogun Orisa Obaluaye Mosu, said the entire kingdom “celebrate the life of Alhaji (Kasumu Yesufu Adefaka) not only as a Prince in Isolo but also as remarkable contributor to the peaceful coexistence of religions in Isolo Land.”
Prof Oloyede
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, said, “Accept our wish that Papa could have stayed longer in this world. Inna li Llaahi wa inna ilayhi Rajiuun May Allah grant him Aljannah.”
De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organisation for Lagos State indigenes, through a condolence message issued by its Secretary General, Mr. Yomi Tokosi, and addressed to the children, also mourned the late centinarian.
It said, “On behalf of De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your aged father. We hope you find some comfort that Papa died at a very ripe age of 104 and lived to see his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren.
“We offer you our thoughts, prayers and well wishes during this bereavement period. It is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you the determination to bear the irremediable loss May his gentle and beautiful soul rest in Paradise,” the statement said.
