Kogi State’s Governor Yahaya Bello has received a delegation from the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, over the passing of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Ado Ibrahim.
Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said during the visit, the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Majesty, Abubakar Yahaya, CFR, who led the delegation, delivered a letter of condolence to the governor, commiserating with him, the government, and the good people of Kogi State, on the passing of Dr Ado Ibrahim.According to the statement, Governor Bello expressed his gratitude to the delegation for sympathising with the people of Ebiraland and the government of Kogi State, as well as for taking the time to pay a condolence visit.
He praised the late Ohinoyi for his impactful and exemplary life, stating, “I want to sincerely thank you for finding it worthy to commiserate with us and also for finding time to pay a condolence visit. The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, lived well and made a huge impact on the lives of his people during his time.
“While he was alive, we had a father-son relationship because we come from the same lineage.
“Our late royal father’s mother and my grandfather were of the same parents, so the demise of His Royal Majesty is a personal loss to me,” the statement said.
Governor Bello also reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of traditional rulers in the state, a policy he assured would be continued by his successor.
He emphasised the harmonious coexistence and collaboration between the government and traditional rulers in Kogi State for the greater good of the people.
Furthermore, Governor Bello highlighted the positive relationships that the late Ohinoyi had fostered with the Sultan of Sokoto and all traditional rulers in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Etsu Nupe conveyed the condolences of the Sultan and the entire Northern Traditional Council Chiefs to the governor, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Ohinoyi.
He commended Governor Bello for establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with traditional rulers and particularly highlighted the priority the governor placed on the welfare of traditional rulers in Kogi State.
The delegation said during their visit to the deceased’s family in Okene on Monday, they were briefed about the government’s support for the family and commended the governor for his care, love, and respect for the traditional institution.