Come Sunday, April 5, 2015, the Awolowo Stadium, formerly known as Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, is expected to attract some of the city’s prominent socialites, business personalities and celebrities for the eighth-day Fidau prayer in honour of the late Giwa Adini of Yorubaland and Ashipa Bobagunwa of Ibadanland, Chief Mufutau Ajadi Lanihun.
Lanihun died on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at a hospital in Ibadan after an undisclosed prolonged illness. He was buried the same day at his residence in the Oke-Ado area of the city in accordance with Islamic rites.
For those who may not have been familiar with the late businessman and philanthropist, Lanihun was a member of the prominent Ori Olowo family of Popo Yemoja, Ibadan.
He became widely known through his success in the importation of vehicle engines and other business ventures. His generosity to people also earned him the popular nickname, “Olowo Tí N F’Ọ̀wọ́ S’ánú,” a name that reflected his reputation for philanthropy.
Among the projects associated with his name was the construction of several blocks of classrooms along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, which later became known as Mufutau Lanihun College of Education.
Beyond business and philanthropy, Lanihun was also a familiar figure on Ibadan’s social scene, particularly during its vibrant years in the 1980s and 1990s.
His influence extended into the entertainment circle, with several Nigerian musicians of the period making references to him and his prominence in their music and social commentary.
His extensive relationships across business, politics, traditional institutions and the entertainment industry are expected to bring together a wide range of personalities at the Fidau prayers.
The gathering is therefore expected to be more than a religious ceremony, as friends, associates, business partners, socialites and admirers are likely to converge to honour the memory of a man who left his mark on Ibadan’s business and social landscape.
As the city prepares for the eighth-day prayers, all eyes will be on the Awolowo Stadium on Sunday, where prominent personalities are expected to gather in remembrance of the late Chief Mufutau Ajadi Lanihun.
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