— Concerned People of Omala LGA
The attention of the concerned people of Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State has been drawn to discussions and emerging claims concerning the proposed burial arrangements for our illustrious son, the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Ibro).
We consider it necessary to state our position clearly, respectfully and without ambiguity, particularly in view of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris’s known wishes concerning his burial.
His Wasiyyah Should Be Respected
In Islam, waṣiyyah (وصية) refers to a person’s lawful final instruction or testament concerning matters to be carried out after his death. Such instructions may include a person’s wishes concerning his burial, subject to the principles of Islam and applicable laws.
Late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris had expressed that his corpse should not be troubled. He stated that he should either be buried at the National Cemetery in Abuja or, alternatively, at his ancestral home.
We believe that this expressed wish deserves the utmost respect and serious consideration.
The issue before us should therefore not be about the preferences of individuals or groups after his death, but about respecting the wishes of the deceased himself.
Icheke, Omala LGA Is His Ancestral Home
We wish to state categorically that late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Ibro) hails from Icheke in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
His ancestral home is in Omala LGA.
This is not a claim newly made because of his death. It is an identity that the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris himself acknowledged throughout his lifetime. His association with Omala was publicly known, and his children have equally acknowledged this ancestral connection in their own public and political lives.
Consequently, where his stated alternative of burial at his ancestral home becomes applicable, there should be no ambiguity whatsoever concerning where that ancestral home is.
It is Icheke, Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.
No Need for Dispute Over His Ancestral Home
We consider it unfortunate and unnecessary for any individual or group from elsewhere to claim, suggest or create the impression that the ancestral home of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is somewhere other than Omala LGA.
Ancestral identity is rooted in lineage, origin and family history. It is not determined simply by where a person lived, worked, held political office, owned property or spent a significant period of his public life.
The late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris knew his roots and repeatedly identified with them.
We therefore appeal to all persons and groups involved in the funeral arrangements to respect this established fact and avoid statements or actions capable of creating unnecessary tension among his people.
Our Position
As concerned people of Omala LGA, our position is straightforward:
1. The expressed burial wishes of the late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris should be respected.
2. His corpse should not be unnecessarily moved or subjected to avoidable disturbance, in accordance with his stated wish.
3. Where burial at the National Cemetery in Abuja is not possible or is not the chosen option, his remains should be taken to his ancestral home in Icheke, Omala LGA.
4. No individual or group should seek to redefine or misrepresent his ancestral home for reasons unrelated to his own stated identity and family history.
5. All parties should approach the burial arrangements with respect, restraint, dignity and consideration for the wishes of the deceased and the feelings of his family and people.
A Call for Peace and Dignity
The passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is a moment of grief for his family, friends, associates, Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
We do not seek confrontation. We seek clarity, respect and fairness.
The late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris lived a long public life and built relationships across communities. His death should therefore unite people in mourning rather than create unnecessary disputes over his final resting place.
At this solemn moment, we appeal to his family, political associates, traditional institutions, religious leaders, government authorities and all stakeholders to allow the wishes of the deceased to guide the burial arrangements.
His own voice should matter in determining where he rests.
If he is to be buried at the National Cemetery in Abuja, let that be done in accordance with his stated wish. If, however, the alternative of burial at his ancestral home becomes applicable, let there be no dispute about where that ancestral home is.
Icheke, Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, is the ancestral home of late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (Ibro).
We urge everyone to respect this fact, respect his waṣiyyah, respect his family and allow him to be laid to rest with the dignity he deserves.
May Allah forgive the shortcomings of late Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, people and all Nigerians the strength to bear his loss.
Signed:
Concerned People of Omala Local Government Area
Kogi State
