By Adeboye Philip
Idris Oloshogbo, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Lagos State, has passed away in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Hajj pilgrimage.
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board confirmed his death, which occurred shortly after he completed the Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba.
The Board’s secretary, Saheed Onipede, conveyed the news through a statement from the agency’s spokesperson, Taofeek Lawal, on Wednesday.
Oloshogbo, a resident of Shomolu Local Government Area, reportedly died while having his evening meal after performing the Solat Maghrib prayer.
While the exact cause of death has not been determined, it is suspected to be related to high blood pressure and the physical exertion from the Tawaf.
Onipede expressed the state government’s condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, praying for Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Fridauos (Paradise).
He noted that Oloshogbo’s death is especially poignant as it came after he fulfilled his intention to perform the Hajj, granting him the full spiritual reward of the pilgrimage.
The deceased was buried in Makkah according to Saudi Arabian protocols, with a Janaza prayer attended by a board member, Waheed Shonibare, state officials, and fellow pilgrims at the Kaaba.
Onipede also advised other pilgrims to be mindful of the physical demands of the rites and to avoid overexerting themselves as they prepare for the more intense rituals of the Hajj.
The final group of pilgrims is scheduled to travel from Madinah to Makkah on Thursday to continue their spiritual activities.
