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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Late Mr. Kazeem Adebayo Dauda |
The Late Mr. Kazeem Adebayo Dauda, who was born in 1937 at Alawaye compound, Lemomu Quarters, Oke Afin, Oyo to the Late. Mogaji of the Alawaye Family in Oyo, Alhaji Dauda Alawaye, who also hailed from the Aji Compound, or (Ile Aji), Iyaji Quarters Oyo, has died at the age of 86 on October, 2023.
He was, during his life, time a trader who specialized in Aso Oke, the traditional weaving cloth of the Yoruba in the South-Western Nigeria. The Late Alhaji Dauda was a great community leader, teacher, and benefactor. He taught Islamic Studies at the Divisional Council (DC) Primary School. Idi-Ope and DC Primary School Isale Oyo.
He was the General Secretary of the Oyo Muslim Community during the reign of the Late Alafin Bello Ghadegesin and the early part of Alafin Lamidi Adeyemi II. He also served as the General Secretary and the Financial Secretary of the Oyo Central Mosque under the Imamships' of Late Imam Muibi Ajokidero and the Late Imam Mustafa Akeugberu.
Mr. Kassim's mother was the Late Moriamo Abike (Nee Ogunbado), who was also, during her life, a devout Muslim who always, on a daily basis, recited verses and chapters of the Holy Quran and always completed it within a short time during her lifetime.
Mr. Kazeem Adebayo Dauda started his primary education in 1946 at DC Primary School Durbar Oyo, the school which colonial government reserved for the children of Alafin and Chiefs in Oyo and its environs. He later attended DC Modern School Durbar before he proceeded to Ansar-Ud-Deen Teacher Training College, Ota, Ogun State. After his education, he was posted to Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary Schools Baba Elesin, Modeke Igboho, Fiditi, and Ansar Ud-Deen Primary School Oke Balogun, Oyo. He also taught at Awe High School and was recently given an award for meritorious service by the old students of the school.
He was later posted to Ansar-UD-Deen Primary School, Oke-Balogun Oyo, as headmaster and retired after many years of meritorious service. Mr. Kazeem Adebayo Dauda's had spent his life in studies, thinking, and contemplation. He was a versatile reader and a political analyst. He could not do without reading a newspaper in a day, the attitude he took from his uncle and confidant Alhaji Kadiri Ayoola Adediran (aka K.A.) who was the founder of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and whose house in his life time was a rallying point for our extended family members.
Late Mr. K. A. Dauda, and he used to be called, developed an attitude based on what he heard, seen, observed, thought, and assimilated. He had an open mind to reasoning and intellect and to an objective debate on any issue, such as politics. He bears with equanimity the heavy responsibility on his shoulder as the first male child of the family and works towards the upbringing and wellbeing of his brothers. He encouraged members of the extended family to educate their children despite their meager resources.
He was a disciplined person, diligent, and responsible person. He is a simple and amiable person. The integrity of his character and selflessness of his conduct impressed many people from all the nooks and crannies of Oyo town and his environs, where he spent the major part of his life. Many of his friends and associates most especially among the youth, were with him till the end of life. No one can deny his service to the community, family, the less privileged people and the wellbeing of many students that passed through him.
He had a great passion for the upbringing of children, education, and character. Late Mr. Kazeem Dauda presented and projected the character of a disciplinarian and a believer in honesty, uprightness, and morality. He was a dogged fighter and enigma, he worked for the truth, however great the challenge, throughout his life time. He was, throughout his life time a devoted Muslim. May Allah, in his infinite mercy, forgive all his shortcomings and reward him with al-janna firdous.