Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, were on Wednesday among the early mourners of the Emir of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by his media aide Segun Adeyemi, the Minister described the Emir’s death as “a monumental loss.” He condoled the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the government and people of Kwara and, in particular, the people of Patigi, over the loss.

Alhaji Mohammed 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, saying that his wise counsel and leadership will be greatly missed, especially at this critical time in the history of Kwara State.

He said his last meeting with the Emir, during the burial of the father of Olofa of Offa, left him with a good memory of the departed monarch.

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

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 will personally miss his advice and fatherly disposition. He was always an apostle of peace and good relationship between the various peoples and areas in our dear state. He shall be dearly missed.

“The last time I saw him was during the electioneering 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. As usual, one saw a traditional ruler who tirelessly canvassed the interest of his people. One never realised it was the last meeting we had that day,” Saraki stated.

The President of the Senate commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, Patigi community, the Etsu in Council, Kwara State Traditional Council and the people and government of Kwara State over the irreparable loss.

He prayed Allah to grant the soul of the departed royal father a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus and his loved ones, the fortitude to bear the loss.

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

He 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 His Royal Highness, 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.

“I join thousands of Patigi citizens and Kwarans to mourn the departure of one of our greats,” Gov Ahmed said.

Mayowa Okekale, Abuja

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