From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Noah Ebije, Kaduna
President Bola Tinubu, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and others have condoled with the government and people of Kogi State on the passing of Ohinoyi of Egbiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
The Secretary of Ebiraland Traditional Council, Alhaji Yunusa Sule, said the paramount ruler died at around 2am in an undisclosed Abuja Hospital after a protracted illness at 95.
His remains has been buried.
The scribe said his death was “very sad and a big blow” to Ebiraland. We lost our daddy and leader this early morning of Sunday in an Abuja Hospital where he had been treated for age related ailment for three weeks now.
“We are in shock and pain over his death. He was indeed a good father and leader to not just Ebiraland but Kogi and Nigeria as a whole. His death has left a vacuum in the entire Ebiraland,” he said.
Abdulrahman Ado-Ibrahim was born on Feb. 7, 1929 and was the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland with headquarters in Okene, Kogi State.
He was a son of the second Attah (now “Ohinoyi”) of Ebiraland, Ibrahim Onoruoiza of the Omadivi Clan, who reigned from 1917–1954.
Ado-Ibrahim was enthroned as the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in 1997 and reigned until Sunday, when he died.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the death of the Ohinoyi was a painful loss.
The president described the late traditional ruler 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 good people of Kogi to take solace in the legacy of peace and fellowship left behind by the late traditional ruler.
ACF: Uncompromising pillar of support
The ACF, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described him as a nationalist, astute businessman of international repute in his own right, and an uncompromising pillar of support for Arewa matters.
“For these the late Attah 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.
“It is indeed to be a season of deaths as in the past few weeks, key elders of Arewa have been answering the Creator’s calls and succumbing to death.
“However, 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 was built on and remained anchored on bold, brave principles and commitment to the truth.”
Kalu condoles with Kogi, nation
In his condolence message, Senator Kalu said the death of Ohinoyi is a great loss not only to the people of the Kogi State but to the nation and beyond.
The former Abia State governor extended his condolence message to the family, the Ebiraland, associates and people of the state for the unavoidable death of Late Dr. ado Ibrahim.
Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation prayed that God Almighty gave the family the courage to bear the loss, to compensate the Emir with the highest paradise.
. Death personal, painful loss – Ododo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Candidate in Kogi, Alhaji Usman Ododo, in a condolence message issued in Lokoja said he was greatly touched by the passing of the paramount ruler.
“The late Ohinoyi was a father who loved all his children, did everything to unite his community and promoted peaceful coexistence among his people.
“The death of our paramount ruler is a personal and painful loss to me. My prayer is that Allah should grant his soul a peaceful eternal rest,” he said.
Ododo said the Ohinoyi left a big shoe which would be difficult to fill, considering the wealth of wisdom and leadership qualities that had gone with him.
While stating that the Ohinoyi would be greatly missed, the APC enjoined the people of Ebiraland to continue to live in peace with one another, as they grappled with the irreparable loss of the traditional ruler with fortitude.
Kogi Speaker mourns
Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, described the Ohinoyi’s death as a huge blow to the entire nation in view of his place in national history.
“The deceased Royal Father was a man of peace, love, bravery and the definition of true royalty in modern times. The state will miss his wisdom, tenacity and unifying disposition.
“My sincere condolences go to our dearest Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, government and people of Kogi and Nigerians as a whole over the huge loss, ” he said.