President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and governors of the 19 northern states were among prominent Nigerians who condoled with the government and people of Kogi State on the passing of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
The revered paramount ruler of Ebiraland died in the early hours of yesterday at the age of 95.
Palace sources in Lokoja told LEADERSHIP that he died in an Abuja hospital where he had been receiving treatment for age-related ailment and will be buried in line with Islamic rites.
President Tinubu, in a statement by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said the death of the Ohinoyi is a painful loss, describing the late monarch as peace-loving, affable and cerebral.
“The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland was in a class of his own. He was highly respected and admired for his deep insights, wisdom, and sophistication. He had a masterful way of handling issues. He was very knowledgeable and wise. May Almighty Allah grant His Majesty Aljannah Firdaus,” the President prayed.
Tinubu asked the people of Kogi State to take solace in the legacy of peace and fellowship left behind by the late monarch.
On their part, governors of the 19 northern states expressed their heartfelt condolences over the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said the entire northern governors mourn the loss of the first-class monarch, describing him as a man of peace, and an exemplary leader whose reign was characterized by dedication and commitment to unity, harmony and understanding among the people.
A statement by Ismaila Uba Misilli, his director-general, Press Affairs, quoted the governor as saying: “Dr. Ado Ibrahim’s reign witnessed tremendous progress in his domain, leaving an indelible mark on the traditional and cultural heritage of the Ebira people. He was a cerebral leader of uncommon wisdom, humility and integrity.
“The late monarch’s legacy of peace, honor, unity, and the preservation of cultural heritage will continue to inspire and guide the Ebira race, the Northern region and Nigeria as a whole for generations to come”.
Governor Inuwa extended the governors’ condolences to the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and through him, the government and the people of Kogi State, as well as the entire Ebira land as they mourn the loss of a cherished leader and cultural icon.
The governor called on the family of the late monarch to uphold his legacy of honour and dignity, and sustain his enduring influence.
The Northern Governors’ Forum chairman prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late monarch and reward his good deeds with Aljannat Firdaus.
Also yesterday, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described the death of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland as a great loss of a nationalist and a pillar of support to Arewa matters.
“HRH late Alhaji (Dr.) A. A. Ibrahim was a nationalist, astute businessman of international repute in his own right, and an uncompromising pillar of support for Arewa matters. For these the late Ohinoyi will be sorely missed, especially at this current state of considerable and daunting challenges in the lives of the people of Ebiraland, Kogi State, Arewa and Nigeria at large,” a statement by the forum’s national publicity secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, noted.
He said ACF had been hit lately with so many deaths particularly of key elders of Arewa who have been answering the Creator’s calls and succumbing to death.
He stated however that “ACF is consoled by the fact that each and all had lived lives worthy of emulation and leaving behind a legacy of exemplary behaviour and stellar achievements. HRH, late Alhaji (Dr.) A. A. Ibrahim certainly belonged to this high-achieving and proud class.
“His was a life well-lived and full of dedication to the people, culture and tradition which was built on and remained anchored on bold, brave principles and commitment to the truth,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari , commiserated with the government and people of Kogi State over the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Sulu-Gambari, in a condolence message signed by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, described the deceased as a diligent and brave traditional ruler who led his subjects with the fear of God, utmost love and large heart towards the growth and development of Ebiraland, Kogi State and nation at large.
The Emir who noted that the late Ohinoyi lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation described his demise as a great loss to humanity in general.
He commiserated with the family of the late Ohinoyi prayed God to forgive and grant him forgiveness eternal rest.
Also, the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, extended his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
In a statement signed by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described the late royal father who reigned for 26 years as an outstanding promoter of peace and unity in the country.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen expressed sadness over the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.
Abbas commiserated with the people and the government of Kogi State over the exit of the revered monarch, saying the life of the late Alhaji Ibrahim was a great example for Nigerians to follow.
In a statement by special adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, the Speaker described the death as a huge loss to the country, not just Ebiraland and Kogi State.
Similarly, national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, expressed shock over the demise of the late Ohinoyi.
Ganduje, in a statement signed by his chief press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, described the Kogi first-class monarch as a father figure who lived his life for the growth of Ebiraland in particular, Kogi state, and Nigeria in general.
The statement further stated that late Ohinoyi’s leadership reflected his humility, as he was passionate, hardworking, and hospitable towards his subjects both at home and diaspora.
Similarly, the director general of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, described the death of the Ohinoyi as a monumental loss to Kogi state and the nation.
He said in a statement issued in Abuja that the vice chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council would be remembered for being a stabilizing factor who also raised the profile of Ebiraland since his coronation in 1997.
The ECN DG said, “Like all Ebira people, I am deeply saddened by the passage of our revered paramount ruler, the Ohinoyi early this morning at the age of 95.
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