Political associates and friends of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, yesterday, converged on Ilorin, Kwara State, for special prayers to mark his 61st birthday.

The well-wishers started trooping his Ilofa country home as early as 7.00am for the event.

Even as the celebrant was not around, as he was said to be attending to some national issues elsewhere, the event was attended by his associates.

Islamic clerics at the special prayers, including Sulaiman Danboronu, Abdulwaheed Ajinikirun and Abdulrazaq Aduagba, talked about the principles of loyalty, leadership and followership.

In their separate lectures, they admonished leaders and followers to live in oneness, sincerity, and be committed to impacting lives and developing people.

They eulogised Saraki for always being there for the people and his followers, in and out of office.

While describing his impact on the people as unmatched, the clerics commended the people for their unwavering love and steadfastness for the Saraki family.

Sighted among his associates were Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara, Babatunde Mohammed; the Secretary, Abdulrahman Kayode; former Speaker, House of Assembly, Prof Ali Ahmad; former Secretaries to the State Government (SSGs) Sola Gold and Saka Onimago; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abimbola Isau (SAN) and former PDP state chairman, Ishola Fulani.