The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has urged Nigerians to uphold truth, integrity and peaceful coexistence as the country approaches another election cycle.
Fagbemi made the call on Sunday during the Fidau prayer for the late Alhaji Uthman Oyewuyi, a centenarian and respected community leader, in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
He said the deceased’s life offered important lessons, particularly at a time when political activities could heighten tensions and test the nation’s commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence.
Fagbemi described Oyewuyi as an icon, a devout Muslim and scholar who stood by the truth and was never afraid to correct wrongdoing, regardless of who was involved.
He said the late community leader’s commitment to truth and ability to mediate disputes demonstrated the character needed in public life and national development.
The Minister of Justice urged Nigerians, particularly political actors and community leaders, to emulate the deceased by placing the interests of society above personal or political considerations.
He recalled Oyewuyi’s contributions to education, noting that he was among the pioneers who helped establish Ansarudeen Primary School, Ijagbo, in 1958.
According to Fagbemi, Oyewuyi and others of his generation played significant roles in laying the foundation for the community’s educational development.
He added that the deceased supported education beyond his immediate family by providing financial assistance to people to pursue their studies.
Fagbemi said the family’s educational achievements, including having two professors among Oyewuyi’s children, formed part of his enduring legacy.
He urged members of the community to ensure that the leadership vacuum created by Oyewuyi’s death was filled by someone who would uphold honesty, courage and service to the people.
The deceased’s eldest son, Alhaji Nureni Jimoh, described him as a scholarly, 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 within the community.
He added that Oyewuyi was a father figure to many and advised his children to reach out to and support the communities in which they lived across Nigeria.
Another son, Mubashir Uthman, a professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, described his father as a devout Islamic scholar who valued both Islamic and Western education.
He also said Oyewuyi was among the pioneers who contributed to the establishment of Ansarudeen Primary School, Ijagbo.
Uthman urged the family and community to sustain the values for which his father was known and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The representative of the Ooni of Ife, Dr Olasunkanmi Ogunwusi, described Oyewuyi as a man of the people who maintained close ties with residents of Ife.
He said the Ooni commiserated with the deceased’s family and the people of Ijagbo.
Oyewuyi was the Baba Baale of Sagodo, Olori Ebi of the entire Ile Oba and Naibul Imam of Ijagbo.
