Saki, Oyo State, has been thrown into mourning following the death of a prominent political and community leader, Alh. Raheem Durojaye, who passed away at the age of 85. AKA THE GOVERNOR
Durojaye, a respected political figure in Oke-Ogun, hailed from the Ogidigbo area of Saki and was the revered head of the Ajibise family. He was widely recognised for his wisdom, maturity, sound judgment, leadership qualities and commitment to the development and unity of his people.
Beyond his political engagements, the late Durojaye played significant roles in the Islamic and community development of Saki. He was the first Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Saki West Local Government and also served as Chairman of the Young Progressive Muslim Society.
He was equally a member and leader of different political parties at various times, making him an influential figure who contributed to political activities and leadership in Saki and the wider Oke-Ogun area.
Durojaye was one of the foremost councillors in 1976, when he represented Ward 6 in the old Ifedapo Local Government. His long involvement in public affairs and community leadership earned him recognition as a political father and mentor whose counsel and experience were valued by many.
His death has continued to attract tributes from political associates, community leaders, family members, friends and residents of Saki, with many describing him as a “beacon of wisdom and leadership.”
In a tribute, the Honourable representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abisodun Kareem, expressed grief over the passing of the elder statesman.
Kareem said: “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!! Allahu Akbar!!! May Allah (SWT) bless his soul and grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Also paying tribute, Arc. Bashiru Aremu Lawal, popularly known as Bash, the 2027 African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Saki-West, Saki-East and Atisbo Federal Constituency, described Durojaye as a leading politician in Oke-Ogun.
Lawal said the deceased’s leadership skills, maturity and sound judgment would be sorely missed, adding that his passing was a painful loss to his family, friends and political associates.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and prayed that Almighty Allah would forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“May Allah grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Rest in peace, Baba,” Lawal said.
In another tribute marking a milestone in the life of the deceased, Durojaye was described as a “beacon of wisdom and leadership” and a political father and mentor whose integrity, selflessness and vision had impacted generations.
According to his eldest son, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Tayọ Durojaye, the deceased died at the age of 85 in Lomé, Republic of Togo.
The son disclosed that his father marked his 85th birthday yesterday, making his death particularly poignant for members of the family, friends, political associates and other well-wishers who had celebrated the milestone with him.
Durojaye’s death is expected to be widely mourned across Saki and Oke-Ogun, particularly by members of his family, political associates, Muslim faithful, community leaders and residents who knew him as an influential leader committed to the unity, development and wellbeing of his people.
His passing marks the loss of a veteran political actor, Islamic leader and community figure whose decades of service left an enduring impression on Saki and its people.
