By Thompson Yamput
The Ebira People’s Association (EPA) has urged all Ebira sons and daughters to remain solemn and united as they mourn the passing away of their leader and Royal Father, Dr Ado Ibrahim, who died on Oct. 29.
The EPA President General, Dr Godwin Oyibo, who gave the admonition in a statement issued in Lokoja, described Ohinoyi’s death as very shocking and painful to Ebiraland.
Oyibo said that the leadership of EPA, like every Anegbira, “feels the harsh pains brought by the exit of this colossus, whose departure from this world, leaves a void that can never be filled, not only in our hearts but also in the very essence of our rich cultural heritage”.
“As we all stand in this moment of shared grief, we need to remain united as we recline back in faith to God Almighty who created him and the rest of us.
“No doubt we all loved him and wished that he lived longer but we cannot question the verdict of his creator.
“As we accept this reality however, we will be missing his wise counsels, his discipline, humor and the pride he represents for the entire Egbira people both at home and in Diaspora.
“At this period, we must not forget that we are one people, bound by a common heritage, shared traditions, and unbreakable unity that transcends time and space.
“Our King, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim CON, embodied the essence of our identity and a towering symbol of our unity and strength.
“I must not fail to particularly mention that in his last days, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing our community for the proposed Population and Housing Census by the Federal Government of Nigeria which was recently put on hold.
“His Majesty was readily available for EPA in all areas of needs. We enjoyed an unfettered access to a lot of facilities in his palace all through the period of our community mobilization.
“He held back nothing from us in the course of our services. At every daunting point in community outings, His Majesty refueled and energized us with soul lifting words.
“Some of his words: ‘Chairman, move on, the Ohiku is with you, and Let me know wherever you need me”.
“As we navigate this period of bereavement, let us extend our hands to one another, offering comfort and solace to one another, supporting one another with love and compassion.
“Let us honour the memory of our King by standing together, by strengthening the bonds that unite us, and carrying forward the legacy he left behind, ” he said.
He, however, specifically commiserated with the Ohinoyi’s immediate family – his wives and children; the Governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello; Nigerian Council of Traditional Rulers, where he served as its Vice Chairman, (North Central).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 94 year-old late Ohinoyi who died after an aged related ailment in an Abuja Hospital, was buried around 8:40 p.m. on Oct. 29. NAN
