The Grand Mufti of Ilorin, Sheikh Sulyman Faruq Onikijipa, revealed during a fidau (Islamic prayer for the deceased) ceremony on Sunday that the late Sheikh Isiaka Sulaiman Ajimati, brother of the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, had long wished and prayed for his sibling to ascend to the position of governor.

Sheikh Ajimati, who resided in Ajase, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, reportedly dedicated special supplications and made sacrifices to ensure his younger brother achieved prominence in public service. The fidau prayers were held at Professor Sulaiman's family compound in Oke-leru, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Speaking at the event, the Grand Mufti highlighted the late cleric's unwavering faith and commitment to supporting his brother's career, which culminated in Professor Sulaiman's leadership of NILDS, a federal institution focused on legislative training and democracy.

"He had told me as far back as1983 that his wish for his younger brother who is an academic is to attain a great status in life like being governor," Onikijipa told the audience at the well-attended session.

He admonished Professor Sulaiman not to grief over the demise of his elder brother but to accept it as the will of Allah, assuring him that Allah will comfort him.

Also in a short lecture, the Grand Mukadam of Ilorin, Sheik Sulyman Dan Borno, enjoined the bereaved DG to hold the Sulaiman's family together and continue his acts of kindness to all.

The fidau session which was led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir Saliu, was attended by the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his senior special adviser and counselor, Alhaji Saad Salahudeen, former non - executive member, Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr Gali Alaya, senior special adviser (special duties) to the governor, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Jida, Grand Khadi of Kwara state, Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen and a former Grand Khadi of the state, Justice Saliu Mohmmed.