Emulate Mallam Ajayi’s Virtues, Col. tells Afomeh indigenes
A prominent Afomeh man, Col. B.O. Musa, has called on the people of Ibienafe Community to emulate the virtues and legacies of Mallam Haruna Ajayi to ensure that the community’s culture is instilled in their children.
Ibienafe is a community in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria where the Estako speakers are known and reference as the Afomeh’s.
Col. B.O. Musa made the call while speaking at a prayer session to commemorate the 90th birthday of Madam Salametu Ajayi, the wife of Mallam Haruna Ajayi. He described the celebration as the first of its kind in the history of Ibienafe to honor a parent at an old age before their passing.
He said that the late husband of Madam Ajayi was noted for setting examples that have been followed by his children, setting a pace for others to emulate. According to him, it is more ideal to celebrate one’s parents while they are alive rather than after their death. “Our people often celebrate the dead more than they do the living. Personally, I would prefer my children celebrate me while I am alive rather than after my death.”
Col. Musa noted that the late Mallam Ajayi ensured that all his children knew Ibienafe before he passed on and made sure that his daughters were fully married according to the culture and traditions of the land.
He also mentioned the commitment of the celebrant’s son to care for his mother regardless of the situation, which is worthy of emulation by the people of Ibienafe.
While praying for Madam Salametu Ajayi, her children, and the late husband, Col. Musa urged the youths in attendance to honor their parents while they are alive rather than wait until they have passed away.
His Royal Highness, the King of Ibienafe Kingdom, Prince Yalsu B. Momoh. Oyarekua the second. noted that the celebrant’s son, Umoru, has been an active member of the community since returning. Oyarhekua subsequently prayed for the celebrant, her children, the late husband, and well-meaning indigenes of Ibienafe, both at home and abroad.
In attendance were the council of clerics, the Jamaah (Muslim community), the King of Ibienafe, Prince Momoh Yalsu Oyarhekua The Second, and his notable Dawudus. Prominent men of Afomeh, including Col. B.O. Musa, were also present.
The highlight of the event included prayers and recitations of the Holy Quran in honor of Madam Salametu Ajayi. In her quick reaction, Madam Salametu expressed her joy and simply prayed for her children, wishing that their children would also celebrate them.
