The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has described former President Muhammadu Buhari as a devout nationalist who lived in the fear of God.
In a condolence message issued on Monday by his spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the emir also paid tribute to the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, praising him as a monarch who lived a life deeply rooted in culture and tradition.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the traditional ruler died some hours after the passing of Buhari on Sunday.
Sulu-Gambari said the late ex-president was a distinguished Nigerian and a true Muslim.
According to him, Buhari demonstrated love for Nigeria and Nigerians during his tenures as a Military Head of State and democratically elected President.
“He served Nigeria with full dedication and commitment, with a major achievement of promoting unity in the nation.
“As Muslims, we accept his passing as the will of Almighty Allah,” he said.
He extended condolences to the entire members of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Buhari’s family, especially his widow, children and grandchildren, for the loss.
Sulu-Gambari also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, over the incident.
He prayed the Almighty Allah to accept his returns and good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Al-Janatul Firdaos.
Meanwhile, Sulu-Gambari described the 65-year reign of the late Awujale of Ijebuland as a remarkable legacy for tradition, culture and national cohesion.
He said that the late traditional ruler lived for his people, ruled them with utmost love, and attracted significant development to Ijebuland and the entire nation.
“Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona brought people together beyond the soil of Ijebuland.
“He unified the human race through quality and exceptional leadership skills and tried his best as a traditional ruler throughout his 65-year reign on the throne.
“He contributed significantly and promoted cultural heritage at the local and global scenes,” Sulu-Gambari said.
The emir extended condolences to the people of Ilorin Emirate, members of the Traditional Rulers Council, as well as the late Awujale’s family, government and people of Ogun.
He prayed Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Al-janatul firdaos.
