Thousands Pay Last Respects to Late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani in Emotional 3-Day Prayer Session
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Okene, Kogi State
August 21, 2025
A massive congregation of mourners gathered today at Okene for a 3-day prayer session in honor of the late Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo, father of Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The solemn occasion was led by the Chief Imam of Ebira Land, Shaykh Muhammad Salihu Abere, and drew thousands of attendees who came to pay their respects to the revered patriarch.
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The prayer session, which is part of the traditional Islamic rituals following a death, reflects the widespread impact of Alhaji Momohsani’s life and legacy on the community. The Governor’s father was remembered for his piety, humility, and kindness, qualities that endeared him to many.
Governor Ododo’s leadership and commitment to the development of Kogi State were also highlighted during the prayer session, with many attendees noting that the late Alhaji Ahmed MomohSani’s values and principles have been revealed in his son’s exemplary governance.
In attendance were notable dignitaries, including the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency Col. Kefas Agbu, who expressed his gratitude to God for the opportunity to celebrate the life of the late Alhaji Ahmed MomohSani. “Today, we are here to appreciate God for making history. We pray for us here to live a good life. I thank all of you for coming to celebrate with the people’s Governor of Kogi State,” he said.
The Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, also attended the prayer session, where he described Governor Ododo as his worthy successor. “Gov Ododo is my worthy successor. I appreciate the Governor of Taraba, Col. Kefas Agbu. My own message is very short; it is an appreciation to God for the worthy life spent by our father, the father of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, my worthy successor and son,” he said.
Governor Bello prayed for Governor Ododo’s success, saying, “May our children outperform and outshine us. My prayer is for Ododo to outperform and outshine me.” He also noted the transformation of Okene, saying, “Okene has turned into another Mecca of itself. People in large crowds have been trooping in since the time of the death of my mother. Ododo, you will finish your four years and your eight years successfully to add to my eight years, making it a total of 16 years.” He added
Responding, Governor Ododo appreciated the former Governor’s kind words and promised his continued loyalty. “Words cannot express our gratitude to all of you who stand with us in this time of grief. We thank and pray for your safe return to your various destinations,” he said. He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, thanking him for his commitment to governance. “We will queue behind Mr. President and give him support at the appropriate time; we will reciprocate his gesture,” Governor Ododo added.
The 3-day prayer session which was also attended by the former Kano State Governor and APC National Chairman, His Excellency Alhaji Umar Ganduje and the former Deputy Governor of Edo State His Excellency Philip Shaibu is a poignant reminder of the transience of life and the enduring bonds of family, community, and faith that transcend individual losses.
