By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo
It is significant and imperative to remember those who have lived a life worthy of emulation.Great men exist in every city and town .In Ijagbo town in Kwara State,MK Sanni was a household name because of his contributions to the development of the town.I don’t think many won’t doubt about anyone’s ancestral connectivity if he or she is from Ijagbo and does not know Alhaji Mohammad Kajogbola Ajao Sanni Popularly Known as MK Sanni, when he was alive.
He was a business mogul in Ilorin. History has it that he started his business in Ghana before relocating to Nigeria . While in Ghana,he joined Patterson Zochonic between 1951 and 1954.M.K Sanni resigned from PZ Company in 1954 and registered as a diamond dealer in the Gold Coast (Ghana).
As a diamond dealer, that gave him the opportunity to tour all the nooks and crannies of the Gold Coast and the West African sub- region.In 1961 Alhaji MK Sanni returned home from Ghana and later decided to settle in Ilorin,where he registered as a contractor and a business man with the name Alhaji M.K Sanni and Sons Company.
As a young man who was dynamic,vibrant and versatile,he was chosen as a councillor representing Ijagbo Ward when Oyun Local Government was created in 1969.In 1972, he was appointed a director in the then Kwara State Investment Corp.
As a business merchant in foam products in Ilorin, Alhaji MK Sanni travelled to the United Kingdom and was in London between August and September 1981, for more business opportunities and expansion.He became the first businessman to introduce imported and Arabian rugs to Ilorin in 1981.
Significantly,he was a prominent philanthropist in his good old days as he did help many among which were indigines and non indigines of Ijagbo town in the attainment of their dreams.The late Icon made a remarkable contribution to the development of Ijagbo.Thus:
*It was during his tenure as a councillor that pipe borne water got to Ijagbo township .He contributed to the construction of Ijagbo Post office, police station and establishment of Ansarudeen College,Ijagbo.
From the information available, which I extracted from his short biography he also paid taxes for some aged people in 1979,1980 and in 1981 in Ijagbo township.He was a peace maker and a frontliner in the town.
It can also be deduced from his autobiography that late Alhaji Mohammad Kajogbola Ajao Sanni,played a gallantry and eminent role in the resolution of the long chieftaincy title of Onijagbo of Ijagbo that occurred between 1969-2011,through the efforts of his close friend,Chief Afe Babalola (SAN)
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, despite his busy business life he was also a great socialite in his hey days,a staunch member of the then Ilorin club who later became a life patron of the club.
To me and many,he was not an ordinary person you can come across without emulating him, because he believed so much in touching the lives of his family members by making them self sufficient.He did not belong to the school of thought of giving people fish and declining to teach them how to fish.His own robust philosophy was to empower the people so that they can also become employers of Labour.
Some people believe they should shine alone without picking anyone along, that was not the trait of Alhaji MK Sanni.He would ensure that his brothers excelled along with him.
There is no doubt about the fact that the Sanni family and our family have close association, because of the relationship between late Sheikh Suleman Jieli Imam Dembo and Alhaji MK Sanni.That actually availed me the opportunity as a young child to see the late Icon whenever he would come around.Besides, one of the Sannis ,late Surajudeen Salahudeen Sanni was my good friend,may Allah grant him aljannah firdaus.
This piece about the late prominent Ijagbo son can’t be complete without reaching out to others.Here is what Laaro Feyishara Sanni said about the late Icon:”He was the kindest of the lot,he was a great uncle who made sure everyone in his family was not left out, he made my dad (Late Alhaji L.O Sanni Rightway) who he was. He was a selfless wall breaker that you didn’t have to know to benefit from,just walk up to him and ask for his help irrespective of who you are, he would go to any length to help you. He was truly a loving Uncle whom I loved dearly. He was the face of a true patriarchy”
Similarly,Alhaji AbdurRaheem Kola Dembo also described Alhaji MK Sanni this way: ” Alhaji loved Muslim clerics so much that he never wanted to see them in poverty.He encouraged our father that his children should combine Islamic education with Western education.Anything about Islam,he would ensure he contributed his own quota.He trained his children in the way of Allah.He was a great family man”
Barrister Sikiru Sanni opines:”He was a loving and great father,grand , great grand father and philanthropist per excellence.A great community leader who worked tirelessly to bring development to ijagbo.He was a father that any child will love to have.He was a great man.Adieu a Loving father.”
Alhaja Hafsat Sanni,who is also one of the daughters of Alhaji MK Sanni captured her father as “Abiyamo tooto” meaning a good parent.She explained that her father was caring to all his children.Right from the time they were single and even after they were married.She said,”My father was generous to both family members and outsiders.He was always willing to assist others.I cannot say everything about him,even as I say this,tears are rolling down my cheeks”
Alhaja Kudirat Sanni Na’Allah asserts:”
Baami,as we normally called him was a great & religious man.A loving & caring father.He did everything to make us great & successful,even after marriage.
We will never forget him & all his legacies.May his soul rest in peace & May Allah SWT continue to be with the family & further cement our relationship.”Dad, you have always been my pillar of strength, my protector, and the best father.I am forever grateful to have you.”
Furthermore, Mallam Ibrahim Sanni has this to say about his father,”My dad (Alhaji M.K Sanni) was awesome. He cared a lot and loved us no matter what. He’s an amazing listener – not just listening but understanding how we felt. No matter what mess we were in, he never judged. Instead, he helped us find solutions.
His love was like a rock that never budged, even if we made mistakes. Whenever we were in any not so good situations, he did not criticize but supported and guided us. He was not just a problem solver; he was like a wise friend, he helped us figure things out.He sorted us.In the story of my life, my dad was a hero, painted with colors of care, love, and always being there for us”.
Barrister Abolanle Sanni Babs-Farouk wrote,
“My dad was a doting father,a man of virtue and considerable intellect,a lover of people who was adored by all for his standards of humanity.He loved and cared for all his children and others alike.His love and struggle for his community was one that can be said to be heroic.I miss you every single day,dad!”
Lateefat Sanni Giwa also said,”Even though my dad is no longer with us, his impact lingers in the precious memories we shared. He was caring, loving, and an extraordinary listener. No matter what, he never judged and always offered solutions with a wise and gentle touch.Though he is no longer physically present, his love remains alive in our hearts. In the chapters of my life, his memory is a beacon of unconditional love, guiding me through challenges. Though he may be late, the essence of his caring nature continues to shapen my journey, a legacy of love that time can never erase.”
Essentially,According to Mahatma Ghandhi “man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellow men”.Alhaji MK Sanni lived a life worthy of emulation and in the service to humanity.One Should endeavour to touch the lives of others positively.
Doing good by helping others is highly rewarding,so those who understand would leverage on that.In Suratu Fussilat verse 46, Allah says”whoever does righteousness -it is for his (own)soul;and whoever does evil (does so)against it.And your Lord is not ever unjust to(His) servants.”. After one’s demise the person’s good or bad deed will keep resonating as people will discuss you.Alhaji MK had prepared his life for people to say good things about him in order to receive the mercy of Allah.May Allah forgive him of his shortcomings.Being kind, generous or helpful to others does not shorten one’s life span as many would believe .The business Mogul and great Prince of Ijagbo lived long in the service to humanity.Do not listen to anyone who would be discouraging you from assisting others.
Today,no one can write the history of Ijagbo town without mentioning the name of this frontline Prince and philanthropist,Alhaji MK Sanni.May Allah grant him continuous mercy in his grave and grant him aljannah firdaus.
Notable among his close friends were the late Alhaji Sheikh Jieli Suleiman,the Magaji of Ile Dembo,Ilorin,the Late Alhaji Adamu Atta,former Governor of Kwara State and the late Chief Oni,owner and founder of the Circular Hotels in Ilorin among others.He died on the 8th of January, 2021,having lived for 99 years.
” Sun re o,Emukay,o gbe’se meji ba’ra waju!”
Ijagbo town is blessed with many great sons and daughters,among them is the current Minister of Justice and Attorney -General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi,SAN
