Layi Olanrewaju, Ilorin

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the death of  the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Chatta Ibrahim.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the late royal father as a man of peace whose reign witnessed monumental development in his domain, in particular, and Kwara State, in general.

“Alhaji Umar Chatta Ibrahim was an older friend and an ardent supporter. I’ll personally miss his advice and fatherly disposition. The last time I saw him was during the campaigns, he was lively and articulate about the hopes and aspirations of the people of Patigi, in particular, and the Kwara North Senatorial District in general,” he said.

He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, Patigi community, the Etsu in Council, Kwara State Traditional Council and the people and government of state over what he described as irreparable loss.

Also, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed has condoled the people of Patigi Emirate over the death.

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, described the demise of the monarch as a great loss and a departure of one of the builders of modern Kwara.

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Ahmed said the demise of the Etsu draws the curtain on one of the most peaceful, finest and most respected traditional rulers in the state.

“The death of Etsu Patigi saddens our mind. He was first among equals. His reign validated him as a powerful but compassionate monarch, who was in tune with the needs and aspirations of his people.

Similarly, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described the passqge of the  Emir as a huge shock and a monumental loss.

In a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday,  the minister condoled with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the government and people of Kwara, and, in particular, the people of Patigi, over the loss.

He described the late Emir, who was the Vice Chairman of the State’s Traditional Council, as a man of peace, a great custodian of his people’s culture and a father to all.

He said his wise counsel and leadership will be greatly missed, especially at this critical time in the history of Kwara State.

The minister prayed that God will grant the late Emir Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort the people he left behind.