Tribute to Ilorin Waka Icon, Alhaja Ruqayat Batimoluwasi
By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo anipr
The news about the demise of Ilorin traditional waka icon, Alhaja Ruqayat Batimoluwasi, signalled another colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate.Indeed, her death would not be felt by her family alone but also the entire Ilorin Emirate and beyond.
She died on Saturday according to reports.Batimoluwasi is a household name in Ilorin because traditional weddings in the city would always strategically featured her Waka band, except in cases where she had already been over-booked for bride’s nights (Aisun Iyawo or Aisun Walimat)
Her waka was constantly centred on the rich islamic culture of Ilorin and nasia (preachings) about shunning the worldly materials in order to crave for the Hereafter (Aljannah).
She usually reeled out the dynamics of death and the consequences of not adhering to the words of Allah. It is only in Ilorin that such a uniquely woven traditional Islamic waka can be found. It was predicated on the history of Ilorin as a city where Islam has deeply rooted.
Her waka doesn’t require rolling out of drums and dancing with utmost immorality. She preached decorum and fear of God through waka and the message usually penetrated the minds of the people.
She was a genius in the Waka genre. Her dexterity to it flowed like a steady rain that gives hope to a dead plant.
Essentially, At every occasion she was invited she would ensure that her nasia blended with the event. If it is about praising prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), she would do it perfectly.
The truth is, one cannot listen to her waka without being moved to a state of reflection on one’s Deen and one’s relationship with the Almighty Allah. A major testament to her fear of Allah is evident in the envious personality of her renowned daughter, Hajiya Khadijat Abdulsalam Olayiwola, whose erudition has proved that she was nurtured with adequate Islamic education.
Mallam Saheed Olayiwola is a grandson of the late Waka Icon, Alhaja Ruqayat Sulyman Batimoluwasi, and has described her as a unifier, having used her soulful waka rendition to win many souls to Islam in Southwest Nigeria, Benin Republic and Abidjan in Coted’Ivoire. He explained that by estimation she converted about 60 non-Muslims to Islam. He beseeched Allah to grant her Aljannah Firdaus.
The father of us all, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has mourned the death of Ilorin Waka Icon, Alhaja Ruqayat Batimoluwasi. In a condolence message issued on Saturday by his Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the late singer as a cultural ambassador who used her talent to promote Ilorin’s cultural heritage through Waka music.
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said: “The late Alhaja Batimoluwasi was a pride of Ilorin. She dedicated her life to preserving our culture and entertaining the people with moral and educative songs. Her voice and moral uprightness will be greatly missed.”
The Emir commiserated with the immediate family, the Waka music community, and the entire people of Ilorin Emirate over the loss.
The traditional ruler, however, prayed to Almighty Allah to accept her good deeds, forgive her shortcomings, and grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus. He also prayed that Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
HOW ILORIN EMIRATE SONS AND DAUGHTERS MOURN ALHAJA BATIMOLUWASI
In a statement by the National Publicity of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Mallam Suleiman Shuaib Dagbo, the Union described the death of Alhaja Ruqayat Batimoluwasi as the end of an era in the cultural history of Ilorin Emirate
“The President recalled the outstanding contributions of the deceased to the development of the genre, saying that she was not only a strong leader of the genre who reigned for more than five decades during which her name became synonymous with quality female “Waka” rendition.
He added that the deceased brought honour to the Emirate through her professional performances within and outside the Emirate.
The President, who is a retired Assistant Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, explained that the deceased’s poetical compositions were not only entertaining but also informative, educative and spiritually stimulating.
Alhaji Abdulmalik sympathised with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR and the good people of Ilorin Emirate, particularly the family, associates and colleagues of the deceased.
The President prayed Allah to forgive her shortcomings and reward her good deeds with Aljanat Fridaous.”
Former Senate President and Waziri of Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki Wrote:” Alhaja Ruqoyat Batimoluwasi was a cultural icon whose solemn voice and distinctive style of Islamic waka music went beyond entertainment. Her work educated, promoted societal values and preserved the rich cultural heritage of the Ilorin Emirate and the teachings of Islam.
Her passing is a great loss to her family, the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State and the many admirers whose lives were touched by her timeless music.
My family and I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives her shortcomings, accepts her return, admits her into Al Jannah Firdaus, and grants her family, friends and the entire Ilorin Emirate the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”
Similarly, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe also described her death thus: “Her demise is a painful loss not only to her immediate family but also to the Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and the entire cultural and artistic community. Hajia Baatimoluwasi was more than an accomplished Waka singer; she was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a role model whose remarkable talent was devoted to the propagation of Islam, the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Ilorin Emirate, and the promotion of moral values through music.
She occupied a unique place in the Islamic Waka genre, earning the admiration and respect of generations through her melodious voice, captivating performances, humility, and unwavering commitment to using her God-given gift for the service of faith and society. Her voice became a vehicle for Da’wah, while her works inspired countless younger artistes to embrace culture with responsibility and purpose.
On a personal note, her passing is particularly touching. By the will of Almighty Allah, Hajia Ruqayat was among those who graced the wedding eve of my sons just a few months ago with her soulful rendition of Islamic Waka. Little did we know that it would become one of her memorable public appearances before her return to her Creator. I will forever cherish that moment and the joy she brought to my family and our guests.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to her immediate family, her numerous admirers and protégés, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Ilorin Emirate Council, and the entire people of Ilorin Emirate over this irreparable loss.
As we mourn her departure, we also celebrate a life of purpose, faith, and service. Her legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of many and through the generations she inspired.
I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, accept her lifelong service to Islam as an act of worship, widen and illuminate her grave, and admit her into Al-Jannatul Firdaus. May He also grant her family, loved ones, and the entire Muslim Ummah the strength and fortitude to bear this great loss.”
In the same vein, the Turaki of Ilorin, Senator Saliu Mustapha also mourned waka legend, Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi. In a condolence message issued by his media aide, Nasif Sholagberu, Senator Mustapha said the late Waka legend dedicated her life and talent to promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ilorin through music while using her songs to educate, inspire, and positively influence generations.
According to the lawmaker, Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi’s contributions transcended entertainment, as her Waka performances served as a platform for disseminating valuable moral lessons, preserving the traditions of the Ilorin Emirate, and projecting the community’s unique cultural identity to audiences beyond Kwara State.
“He noted that her demise has created a significant vacuum in the cultural and artistic landscape of the Ilorin Emirate, stressing that her legacy would continue to inspire lovers of indigenous music and future generations of cultural ambassadors.
Senator Mustapha extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), the immediate and extended family of the deceased, and particularly her daughter, Hajia Khadijat Abdulsalam Imam Al-Idayah, over the painful loss of her beloved mother.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the deceased, accept her good deeds, grant her al-janant firdaus, and give her family, the Ilorin Emirate, and all those she left behind the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Furthermore, in a heartfelt tribute, Engr Kale Kawu, who is also the Dan Iya of Ilorin, praised the late Waka icon for her lifelong dedication to using her art as a vehicle for preaching peace, unity, and devotion to Allah. He noted that Alhaja Batimoluwasi was not merely a musician but a mother figure whose voice calmed troubled hearts and whose lyrics reminded listeners of their duties to God and humanity. The gubernatorial candidate stressed that her contributions to the preservation of Yoruba Islamic heritage, particularly through the indigenous Waka genre, remain unmatched and will continue to inspire younger generations of female artists.
Dan Iya concluded by offering his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the Batimoluwasi household, and the entire Waka music fraternity. He prayed fervently that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, would forgive her shortcomings, shower her with divine grace, and admit her into Al Jannatul Firdaus. He also asked for strength and patience for her loved ones left behind, assuring them that her legacy of faith, humility, and artistic excellence would forever remain alive in the hearts of all who had the privilege of experiencing her work.”
In her own, Hon Rukayat Shittu, a House Member representing Owo/Onire Constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly said:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of the renowned Islamic Waka icon, Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi Ayinke.
Her inspiring voice, remarkable talent, and dedication to the propagation of Islam earned her a special place in the hearts of many. Her contributions to Islamic and cultural enlightenment will remain a lasting legacy.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, CFR, the entire Ilorin Emirate, the Muslim Ummah, and all who mourn this great loss.
May Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grant her Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and give her loved ones the strength and patience to bear this loss.
Amin.”
Mrs Hauwau Alabi-Bashir,(nee Mustapha) who anchors the popular radio programme “Sofun Aunty Hauwa” on FMs in Ilorin captured her heartfelt condolences thus:
“Alhaja Rukayat Batimoluwasi was a renowned Waka singer, a legendary voice whose Waka in the Ilorin dialect beautifully conveyed Islamic teachings, wisdom and moral guidance.
She was more than a gifted singer, she was a compassionate mother who genuinely celebrated the success of others and inspired countless lives. Many of her male and female apprentices today stand as a testament to her generosity, mentorship, and selfless commitment to nurturing talent.
Her melodious voice and uplifting messages made her a cherished guest at royal occasions and at weddings and other celebrations across Ilorin, where her presence always added grace and blessings.
Alhaja Rukayat’s
humility, kindness and unwavering love for her community earned her the affection of people from all walks of life, myself included. Though her voice may no longer echo among us, the lessons she preached and the lives she touched will continue to resonate for generations.
We pray that Allah (SWT) forgives her shortcomings, expands and illuminates her grave and grants her the highest ranks of AlJannatil Fridaus.
Indeed, Ilorin has lost a rare gem, but her legacy of faith, mentorship and service will never be forgotten insha Allah.”
Alhaja Ruqayat Sulyman Batimoluwasi was the daughter of Sheikh Mustapha Gbodofu.Her brother is Sheikh Ahmed Mustapha Al-Gambari.
There’s no doubt about the fact that she would be missed greatly among our people and the nation at large
May Allah grant her aljannah firdaus.
AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr is a Public Affairs Analyst and a member of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations
abdurraheemsaaddembo@gmail.com
07037813177
