By Thompson Yamput
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, on Wednesday paid condolence visit to Gov. Yahaya Bello, over the demise of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Ado Ibrahim.
The Ohinoyi, who died on Sunday, Oct. 29 at the age of 94 after an age related ailment in an Abuja Hospital , was laid to rest in his home town, Okene, evening of that day according to Islamic rites.
The sultan, who was represented by the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Majesty, Abubakar Yahaya, CFR, that led a delegation, delivered a letter of condolence to the governor, commiserating with him, the government, and good people of Kogi State, on the passing of Dr Ado Ibrahim.
The Royal Father said that the entire Northern Traditional Council Chiefs were offering prayers for the peaceful repose of late Ohinoyi’s soul.
He commended the governor 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 sultan, however, said he was briefed of Bello’s administration’s support to the Ohinoyi’s family and commended the governor for his care, love, and respect for the traditional institution.
Receiving the delegation, Gov Bello expressed his gratitude to the delegation for sympathising with the people of Ebiraland and the government of Kogi, as well as for taking the time to pay a condolence visit.
Bello praised the late Ohinoyi for his impactful and exemplary life that many citizens would emulator for the growth and development of Kogi.
“I want to sincerely thank you for finding it worthy to commiserate with us and also finding time to pay a condolence visit. Late Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, lived well and made a huge impact in the lives of his people during his time.
“While he was alive, we had a father and 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, ” he said.
The governor 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.
Bello highlighted the positive relationships that the late Ohinoyi had fostered with the Sultan of Sokoto and all traditional rulers in Nigeria.