A Tribute to a Mentor, a Brother, and a Destiny Shaper
In Loving Memory of Professor Abdulgani Raji
By Imam Tajudeen Sheikh Oyebanji, PhD.
As the three-day mourning period draws to a close, one truth remains unshaken: Professor Abdulgani Raji will forever live in our hearts. He touched too many lives to be forgotten. He came, he saw, and he conquered quietly, humbly, purposefully. Perhaps, in his final hours, he knew.
On that Friday morning in Ibadan, shortly before his return to Allah, Professor Raji gathered some of his clothes. Among them was one special attire, new, elegant, and never worn since he purchased it abroad. He chose it deliberately. He asked his wife to take charge of the laundry for the rest of his clothes. When she reminded him that their son, Barrister Abdullah Raji, usually handled that responsibility, he gently but firmly replied: “It is you I want to be in charge now.”
He dressed in his chosen attire, entered his car, and drove off without taking breakfast, as though the Angel of Death had fixed him an appointment in Ogbomosho and time was sacred. Upon arrival, he chose to rest briefly before Jumu‘ah prayer. And in that peaceful rest, his soul was taken quietly, gracefully, without struggle.
Thus ended the earthly journey of a pious man, a scholar, a nation-builder, and one of the greatest mentors Allah granted me.
MY JOURNEY WITH PROFESSOR ABDULGANI RAJI
My relationship with Professor Raji dates back over two decades. In 2003, after listening attentively to my lectures on a beautiful Sunday morning at Ilewura Mosque, Irepodun, Agbowo Area, off Ojoo–Iwo Road, Ibadan, he called me aside and spoke words that would redefine my destiny.
He said: “Ustaz, you are blessed with multiple talents. Complement your God-given abilities and Islamic knowledge with formal education. Get at least a degree—Sociology, International Relations, or any related social science course. It will benefit the Ummah.”
He continued with conviction: “You are fluent in Arabic, English, Yoruba, and Hausa. Wallahi, those in the university system are not better than you. Allah will make it easy just plan properly.”
At the time, he was fondly called “Dr. Raji Tech.” I expressed my fears family responsibilities, tenancy, and the challenge of combining education with Imamate. He responded with calm certainty: “Allah will make it easy.” And truly, Allah did.
FROM STRUGGLE TO STABILITY
Following his guidance, my journey began in stages:
2005: Allah granted us a home. I moved my family into our own house.
2006: I registered and passed the GCE External WAEC examination.
2007: I gained admission to study BSc Peace and Conflict Resolution.
All this while managing: A family of two wives and children, my role as Imam of Kara Cattle Market, Akinyele, Ibadan, and the daily pressures of life.
Then tragedy struck, my house burned down completely. That moment could have ended everything.
But Professor Raji did not allow my dream to die. He stood firmly by me, encouraging me relentlessly to continue. Alongside him, my late wife, Hajiya Sodrah; my eldest wife, Ummu Yuusuf; Hajiya Rafeeah; and Hajiya Jameelah sacrificed immensely. Every one of them will forever be remembered as pillars of my academic journey.
A MENTOR BEYOND WORDS
Professor Raji went further. He spoke to my supervisor at the Department of Peace and African Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Faleti, introducing my personality and character. That connection blossomed into a lasting friendship.
After my graduation with excellent results, he said: “Ustaz, you cannot rest now. You must get your Master’s degree if you want recognition in the academic terrain.”
He further inspired me by informing me that his wife, Hajia Mrs. Raji, had also begun her Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Ibadan. That alone rekindled my academic fire, to achieve my MSc in PCR.
FROM IBADAN TO ABUJA
Upon my appointment as Chief Imam of Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja, Professor Raji became my first visitor. He prayed in my mosque and proceeded to visit the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Abdullah Bala Lau, expressing appreciation for my appointment on behalf of MUSWEN and the Ummah.
Later, through his relentless encouragement and the initiative of Professor Mutiullah Olasupo, then Director of the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, University of Abuja, I gained admission into the PhD programme in Peace and Security Studies.
OUR FINAL MOMENTS TOGETHER
On Friday, 12th December, I joined Professor Raji at the University of Ibadan Central Mosque. That day, I publicly testified to Allah’s mercy upon me—the successful defence of my PhD thesis and the award of a Doctorate in Peace and Security Studies from the University of Abuja.
Professor Raji was overwhelmed with joy. Alongside his colleagues, including Professor Akingbile, prayers were offered for me. I then requested special prayers for him for his tireless mentorship spanning over two decades.
We agreed to meet the following Saturday evening at his University of Ibadan residence to discuss plans for my upcoming convocation in Abuja, especially as he was among the ten shortlisted professors for the position of Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja.
But Allah’s decree came sooner. On Friday, 19th December 2025, he drove himself to Ogbomosho, rested before Jumu‘ah, and returned to his Lord while sleeping.
FAREWELL, MY MENTOR
Professor Abdulgani Raji was not just a scholar, he was a destiny shaper. He believed in people before they believed in themselves. He planted trees under whose shade he knew he might never sit.
My life, my academic journey, and my service to Islam and humanity bear his fingerprints.
May Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds, reward his sacrifices, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
May Allah comfort his family, students, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.
Farewell, my beloved mentor, leader, brother, and well-wisher.
Your legacy lives on in me, and in generations yet unborn.
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn.
Imam Tajudeen Sheikh Oyebanji, PhD. Chief Imam, Prince and Princess Estate, Abuja.
JIBWIS South-Western Coordinator.
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