CHRSJ Remembers Late Chairman, Sulaiman with 41-Day Prayer

On Tuesday, the Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) organised a 41-day Islamic Fidau Prayer in honour of its late first Executive Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mallam Abdullahi Abdulrafiu led the prayer session at Ifesowapo Mosque, Ajia, Zone 2, Wakajaye, Ibadan. CHRSJ members and other dignitaries were also present, led by the organisation’s Deputy General Secretary (DGS), Comrade Abiola Abdulganiy (Dove).

While extolling the late human rights activist’s leadership qualities, Mallam Abdulrafiu described Comrade Sulaiman as “a lover of God and a trustworthy leader whose example should be emulated by all.” He further prayed for the repose of Sulaiman’s soul, asking Almighty God to grant him peace in the hereafter and comfort his family, friends, and associates.

This was contained in a statement signed by CHRSJ’s Assistant General Secretary (AGS), Pastor Michael Agassi, and made available to the press on Tuesday. Pastor Agassi noted that the Fidau prayer was fitting, as the late Chairman was a devout Muslim and a true follower of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Pastor Agassi also described Sulaiman as “a man of the people and a thoroughbred social crusader” who learnt the principles of activism under the legendary legal icon Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN. He added that Sulaiman’s legacy would not be forgotten within the human rights community, especially in Southwestern Nigeria.

He further revealed that CHRSJ suspects a link between Sulaiman’s mysterious death and the ongoing contest for the Stool of Alawo of Awo in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State. In honour of their fallen leader, the group has declared a 60-day mourning period, during which its operations will be minimal.

National Secretariat Relocated to Ibadan

In a related development, Pastor Agassi announced the relocation of CHRSJ’s National Secretariat from Lagos to Ibadan, citing the need for greater efficiency in fulfilling the organisation’s mission to defend human rights and promote democratic ideals.

The statement clarified that the former Lagos office would now serve as an annexe, responsible for receiving correspondence and handling other administrative matters.

Pastor Agassi also disclosed that the group would immortalise its late Chairman by promoting his ideals and contributions to human rights advocacy and Nigeria’s democratic development.

Finally, CHRSJ will formally notify partner organisations and stakeholders, especially media members, about the change in its National Secretariat address. The organisation’s activities and new agenda will be public after the 60-day mourning period ends.

It will be recalled that Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman tragically lost his life in a ghastly motor accident along the Abeokuta–Shagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.