* Death, a debt we all have to pay, say mourners
The remains of the popular Muslim singer, Ruqayat Olabisi Gawat-Oyefeso was on Tuesday, 24th September, laid to rest amidst tears at Aiyepe Muslim cemetery, Ijebu, Ogun State with emotion-laden tributes from the Nigerian Muslim community.
Her corpse was transported to Ijebu-Aiyepe from Ogudu GRA in Lagos on the same day with more than fifty cars convoy that accompanied the lifeless body of Alhaja Ruqayat to her final resting place.
Chief Imam of Aiyepe, Shafihiyu Awosanya conducted the Islamic funeral rites in her husband’s mosque, while Alhaji AbdulWasiu AbdulWahab, the Mufassir of Aiyepe, completed the other responsibilities.
The deceased’s brother Hon. Jibril Gawat, a Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led the team of her siblings’ family to the cemetery from Lagos.
Shaykh Habeebullah Olawumi, representing his brother and principal of Daaru Irishad wal Is’ad, Orile; Shaykh Abdur Rahman Lawal, Amir Nadwat; Shaykh Abdul Lateef Ademola Ademola popularly known as Yaa Satar; Shaykh Thabit, Chief Imam Mainland Central Mosque, Shaykh Thawban Adam Al-Ilory (both represented), Shaykh Jatto, Chief Imam Surulere, were also present to honour the renowned Islamic singer.
Muslim News gathered that rain began to fall shortly after her funeral, which is a sign of accepted prayers in Islam.
Scores of families, friends and sympathizers trooped out en mass to honour Alhaja Ruqayat, who was married to insurance Guru, Alhaji Shakiru Oyefeso.
Nigerian Muslim Ummah was thrown into mourning on Monday, September 23 following the death of the Islamic singer, one of the scions of the famous broadcaster, Alhaji Aremu Gawat, who was declared missing 12 years ago.
Ruqayat, who also performed Hajj 2024, was said to have died after a brief illness
A family member and a brother to the deceased, Jubril Gawat, who is a Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed this sad news, quoting a verse of the Noble Qur’an on his verified X handle on Tuesday morning.
His post read, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.” Q 2 V 156
Muslim News gathered that the news of Ruqayat Gawat trended on social media, especially on X, formerly known as Twitter, with netizens mourning the singer who was well-known for her captivating voice and religious music that resonated with many in the Muslim community.
Sponsored
