By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
On 12th October, 2024 the news of the demise of a prominent politician in Kwara Central spread like a wild fire. It would be pretentious for anyone to claim ignorance of the enormous loss that hit Saraki political family and Ojuekun/Sarumi ward. If I was away when it happened, it might be construed as an exaggeration. The truth is, Alhaji Maja was a great political force, because he was one of the politicians who believed that politics is just a game of interest and does not warrant acrimony.
He was generous to his family, neighbours, community and political associates. He contributed a lot towards the galvanization of Saraki political family through selflessness, honesty, generosity, loyalty, community service, and employment generation.
I am not a member of PDP but I cherish Maja’s way of politicking. He did not see politics as a do-or-die affair. If he came around my area in Balogun Fulani Ward II he would greet everyone and would still extend his hand of fellowship to whoever he met at our Assembly despite the fact that he knew majority of us were not in his political party. The only time I saw myself in the same political atmosphere with Alhaji Maja was when former Senate President joined APC. I had been a lover of former President Muhammadu Buhari for years, so having our own former Senate President in the same party then gave me a lift of Joy.
If one visits any Ministry or Agency under Kwara State Government today one would definitely count one or two persons Alhaji Maja facilitated their appointments there. In fact, when he was the
Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission the number of those who benefited from his magnanimity was almost countless. Hence, it would be a great disservice to my conscience as a community person to look away without acknowledging Alhaji Maja’s overall humanity to his community and beyond.
Communities and families had been in functional existence prior to the introduction of western democracy to African societies. It is therefore imperative not to allow the affinity and affection that had existed from time immemorial among the people to be depleted by mere politics, an ephemeral game of interest. As a muslim you must not be an instrument to partition your family and community. If anyone does so, the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said he would not intercede for such person on the day of accountability. We should endeavour to play politics with decorum, discipline and zero-acrimony.This has been the philosophy of my political principal, Senator Saliu Mustapha which can be seen from his slogan “doing it differently”.
On the day Maja died this was how former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki reacted to his demise, “Yesterday, we lost a titan and a rare gem. Alhaji Suleiman Maja was an integral part of the Saraki dynasty, whose loyalty and devotion were never in doubt—neither to Baba Oloye nor to myself.
He was a member of the PDP Elders Council, a close confidant, a trusted party leader, and a reliable ally throughout his lifetime.
The loyalty he showed to the Saraki political family, and his commitment to the service of humanity, will never be forgotten.
This is an emotional moment for me because of how dear Alhaji Maja was to me, and how much support he gave to the Saraki political family and to the development of the polity in Kwara. We shall forever cherish these memories.”
Meanwhile, the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha also mourned the death of Alhaji Maja. This was contained in the statement released by his Media Assistant, Nazifi Solagberu:
“The Senator describes the late Alhaji Maja as a respected figure who made notable contributions to the development of the community during his lifetime.
He urges the family to take solace in the fact that Alhaji Maja lived a life of service and that his legacy will continue to inspire many.
The Turaki of Ilorin prays for Allah to grant the departed soul Aljannah Firdaus and eternal peace ”
A foremost politician in Ilorin South Local Government, Alhaji Ahmed Dembo described Alhaji Maja thus: “Alhaji Maja was a man who can persevere under any situation. He trusted his political associates a lot since the day of Baba Saraki. He stood by his leader, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and had never discussed anything negative about him. He was generous and helped alot of people during his life time. Nobody is perfect but Maja’s kindness outweighs his inadequacies. May Allah grant him aljannah firdaus”
My message to Saraki political associates is to continue to support Maja’s immediate family, especially through offer of scholarships to his children. None of Maja’s children should be seen around wallowing in helplessness.
Indeed Alhaji Maja lived a life that showcased the instance of a gentleman that touched many lives and in the service of humanity.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him aljannah.
abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com
