IJEBU-IGBO, OGUN STATE – The remains of Madam Ajoke Ipaye, the matriarch of the Ipaye family and mother of former Ogun State Commissioner for Health and Balogun of Ijebu-Igbo, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate for Ijebu North State Constituency I, Hon. Olatunbosun Ipaye, were on Sunday laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites amid an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, Islamic clerics, traditional figures and members of the community.

The Janazah prayer and interment, held at the residence of Dr Babatunde Ipaye at Egbe Subair Quarters, Oke-Sopen, Ijebu-Igbo, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, family members, friends and sympathisers who came to pay their final respects to the deceased.

Leading the funeral prayers, the Grand Chief Imam of Ijebu-Igbo, Sheikh Quassim Adebayo Abdullateef Badejo, prayed for the repose of the soul of the late matriarch and urged the bereaved family to remain steadfast in faith and take solace in the will of Almighty Allah.

Delivering the funeral exhortation, the Deputy Mufti of Ijebu-Igbo, Sheikh Abdul-Rasheed Olabisi Sanni, described the late Mama Ajoke Ipaye as a devout Muslim whose unwavering commitment to Islam, exemplary character and selfless service earned her the admiration of many within and beyond Ijebu-Igbo.

He said the deceased devoted her life to the service of Allah, the upbringing of her children and the advancement of the Islamic faith, noting that her virtues would continue to inspire generations.

Sheikh Sanni reminded the congregation that death is inevitable and called on all Muslims to live righteous lives, remain devoted to Allah and continually prepare for the hereafter. He also prayed for Allah's forgiveness upon the deceased and for the Ipaye family to receive the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Among the dignitaries who attended the burial were former Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon Joseph Adegbesan, Hon (Barrister) Femi Ogunbanwo, Engr. Bayo Dayo (King of Royal Galaxy Club), Alhaji Odeseye Tandeska, Alhaji (Otunba) Ademola Balogun, Otunba Olaide Oshifeso, APC Ijebu North Chairman Hon. Mosun Oladipupo, Secretary to the Local Government- Hon Adeniyi Sojirin, Chief Mrs Tuke Omotara, who is also the Iyaloja-General of Ijebu-Igbo, Hon. Bayo Adekoya, Giwa Sunday Oshifeso, Dr Ademola, Hon. Sir Biyi Adeleye, Hon. Ademola Adeleye, Hon. Ganiyu Buhari, and several other political leaders, community stakeholders and associates.

Also in attendance were prominent Islamic clerics, including the Naib Imam of Ijebu-Igbo, Alhaji Muqadaz Mohammodu-Awwal; the Imam of Oke Agbo, Alhaji Mohammadul Quassim Abdulganiu; the Naib Imam of Oke Agbo, Sheikh Mohammadul Taofeek Adesanya; the Chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Sheikh Yahya Sarumi; leaders of various Asalatu groups; members of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society; and scores of Muslim faithful.

The large turnout of mourners was a reflection of the profound impact Mama Ajoke Ipaye made during her lifetime through her piety, humility, compassion and unwavering dedication to her family, community and the Islamic faith.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and an extended family, all of whom have continued to receive condolences from friends, associates and well-wishers across Ogun State and beyond.