By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on Nigerians to uphold truth, integrity and peaceful coexistence as the country approaches another election cycle.
Fagbemi made the call in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara, at the Fidau prayer for the late Alhaji Uthman Oyewuyi, a centenarian and respected community leader in Ijagbo, Kwara.
The AGF said the life of the deceased offered important lessons for Nigerians, particularly at a time when political activities could heighten tensions and test the nation’s commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence.
He described Oyewuyi as an icon, a devout Muslim and scholar who was committed to truth and was never afraid to correct wrongdoing, irrespective of the person involved.
The Minister of Justice said the late community leader’s ability to stand by the truth and mediate disputes demonstrated the kind of character needed in public life and national development.
He urged Nigerians, especially political actors and community leaders, to emulate such values by placing the interest of society above personal or political considerations.
The AGF also recalled the deceased’s contribution to education, saying he was among the pioneers who contributed to the establishment of Ansarudeen Primary School, Ijagbo, in 1958.
According to him, Oyewuyi and other members of his generation played significant roles in laying the foundation for the educational development of the community.
Fagbemi also highlighted the deceased’s commitment to supporting education beyond his immediate family, noting that he provided financial assistance to some people to enable them pursue their education.
He said the educational achievements of the family, including two professors among his children, were part of the enduring legacy of the deceased.
Fagbemi appealed to members of the community to ensure that the leadership vacuum created by Oyewuyi’s death was filled by a person who would uphold honesty, courage and service to the people.
Also speaking, the eldest son of Oyewuyi, Alhaji Nureni Jimoh, described him as a scholar, truthful and caring father who was committed to peace and justice.
Jimoh said his father was respected for standing firmly by the truth and helping to resolve disputes among members of the community.
According to him, the deceased was a father figure to all, and that his advised to all the children was to always reach out and support the community they find themselves in across Nigeria.
Also speaking, a son to the deceased and Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Mubashir Uthman described his late father as a devout Islamic scholar who valued both Islamic and Western education.
Uthman said Oyewuyi was among the pioneers who contributed to the establishment of Ansarudeen Primary School, Ijagbo.
He urged the family and community to sustain the values for which the deceased was known for, while praying for the repose of his soul.
Similarly, the representative of the Ooni of Ife, Dr Olasunkanmi Ogunwusi said the deceased was a man of the people who also kept ties with the people in Ife.
He explained that the Ooni commiserate with the family and entire people of Ijagbo over the loss of Oyewuyi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyewuyi, was the Baba Baale of Sagodo; Olori Ebi of the entire Ile Oba and Naibul Imam of Ijagbo.