Olu Samuel,Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has said that the passing of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, was a painful and personal loss, describing him as a father figure and trusted confidant.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief press secretary to the governor, Onogwu Mohammed stated that the Governor said “the departure of the revered Royal Majesty had left a void that could not easily be filled, adding that he had lost a source of genuine wisdom, guidance, and unwavering leadership.”
He spoke while addressing sympathisers at the Palace of the late traditional ruler, in Okene on Monday.
Governor Bello, who had relocated to his country home in Okene on Sunday upon hearing of the demise of His Royal Majesty, noted that the late Ohinoyi was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions were truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State, but throughout Nigeria.
“I want to thank you all for your condolence messages to Anebira over the passing of our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. For me, I have lost a father figure and a trusted confidant with the passing of Sa’aki. As we all know, His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions have been truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State but throughout Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
According to Governor Bello, the reign of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, was marked by peace, security, economic prosperity, and development in Ebiraland.
“The late king’s contributions were invaluable in maintaining stability in successive administrations in Kogi State. Late father played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security in Ebiraland, and Kogi State in general. These are things we cannot easily forget,” he added.
Governor Bello, who visited the residence of the late traditional ruler at the Azad Palace in Okene on Monday, called upon the people of Ebiraland and beyond to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
He also extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late Royal Father, encouraging them to find solace in the impactful and fulfilling life he led during his time on earth.
During his address on behalf of the family, Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim, the eldest son of the late traditional ruler, said that their father led a fulfilled and impactful life.
He also called upon everyone to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of his father’s soul.
Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his fraternal support throughout their father’s life and his valuable contributions during the funeral preparations.
In his vote of thanks, Colonel Aminu Ado Ibrahim encouraged the people of Ebiraland to uphold the legacy of peace, unity, and progress that prevailed during their father’s reign. He also expressed his appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for his unwavering support to the family during all times.
Born on February 7, 1929, AbdulRahman Ado Ibrahim was the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. With a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge, Dr. Ado Ibrahim was an economist with international education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1954 and 1959, respectively.
His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim passed on at the age of 94 on October 29, 2023.