The family, friends and associates of the late Deputy Editor of the Champion Newspaper, Mr. Bisiriyu Olaoye, have paid their last respect to the deceased, during the 8th Day fidau (Muslim prayer), held at his residence, the Bell University area, Ota, Ogun State.
Some members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), management and staff of the Champion Newspapers, representatives of the media community and Islamic cleric present, paid a glowing tribute to the deceased, describing him as a selfless man who impacted many lives. Olaoye died on February 12, 2025 after a brief illness and was buried at his hometown, Ede, Osun State according to Muslim rites.
During the fidau held on Wednesday, the Islamic clerics took turn to eulogise the deceased for his humility, and philanthropic gestures both within and outside the Islamic community.
In his sermon, Alhaji Bolaji Basiru admonished everyone to always get themselves prepared for death, which usually comes unannounced.
“There is no one that’ll not die, now, there is no more sermon for the dead but remembrance. We need to reflect that those who were alive together with us yesterday have gone. The Holy Quran said we would be tested and one of the things to test us is death, no matter how faithful or righteous an individual is.
“What’s our preparation for death because the deceased was not aware that he was going to die soon? A necessary end will come, when it will come is when we don’t know. Everyone should be vigilant as death can come anytime. After Olaoye, who’s the next to die?,” he asked rhetorically.
The cleric cited a verse of the Holy Qur’an where Allah advised mankind to laugh a little but should be sober about their end. “We should all get prepared for death which comes to us unannounced. Whatever we do should be a reflection of righteousness for us to have an everlasting end…”
“As humans, we don’t want our loved ones to die, but God knows the best. Everyone should prepare for Allah’s trials. Olaoye has gone, it is left for those of us still living to be of right conduct.” Born on February 9, 1961, the late Deputy Editor, who passed on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, died three days after his 64th birthday.
(The Guardian)
