Former governor Peter Obi and James Onanefe Ibori, as well as incumbent Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday evening, joined in mourning reggae superstar Ras Kimono, who died earlier in the day at the age of 60.

Obi who said it was not up to two weeks when he met Ras kimono at a function, where he expressed his longing to meet with him in the future, followed by the normal exchange of phone numbers.

“I am saddened by his death,” the immediate past Anambra State Governor said in a statement issued by his Media Office.

He described Kimono as one musician whose songs conveyed meaning even when they were pleasant to the ears. Calling on budding musicians to imitate his likes that played music with passion, he prayed for eternal repose of Ras Kimono’s soul.

On his part, Chief Ibori described the death of Ras Kimono as a big blow to him personally, Delta State, Nigeria and the entire globe. Ibori said that “Kimono was a gifted revolutionary who applied his immense musical talent and impressive energy to make not just Nigeria but the entire world a better place”.

The former Delta State Governor, in a press statement issued by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, said of the legendary musician: “I have known Ras Kimono for a very long time. While I was Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007, the musician remained close to me all through. He would often visit me and I was open to whatever advice he had to offer. I also enjoyed a warm personal relationship with him. He would often come along with one or two of his fellow musicians and would throw banters on end.”

Ibori said that “Ras Kimono was one of those who kept the flag of Delta State flying as the talent hub of Nigeria – thorough going professionals, gifted musicians, actors and actresses, sports people, comedians, intellectuals, top polity-enhancing bureaucrats, immensely talented youths who excel in all wholesome fields”.

Ibori added that “Nigeria will never forget Ras Kimono; for me, his memory will always have a warm place in my heart for he was a dear friend who remained faithful through thick and thin, and who brought pride, not just to his Onocha-Olona town, but to the good people of Delta State”.

Ibori sent his condolences to Ras Kimono’s family and prayed that Almighty God will grant eternal rest to Ras Kimono’s soul.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, sent condolences to the music industry and the Onicha Olona community in Delta State over the loss.

He described the deceased as a true music legend whose songs entertained Nigerians in the 80s.

The statement reads: “I received with sadness the news of the passing away of Ras Kimono, a great reggae legend. He will be remembered for his hit song ‘Rumbar Stylee’.

“I join lovers of reggae music to mourn this great loss. He belonged to an era of great reggae music exponents in Nigeria.”

The Governor noted that Ras Kimono spent all his life promoting good governance through reggae music, good entertainment and healthy community relations.

“As one of the legends of reggae music, the Governor commends the late Ras Kimono for contributing to the development of music in Nigeria, and sustaining his interest in the music industry even in old age by participating in several music concerts.”

Governor Okowa affirmed that the music industry in Nigeria benefitted from the contribution of the late musician, who also mentored many younger Nigerian musicians.

The Governor prayed that Almighty God will accept the soul of the departed, and comfort the family he left behind.

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