The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has described the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari as a nationalist who lived in the fear of God.

The emir, in a condolence message issued in Ilorin on Monday by his spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, also mourned the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. 

Recall that the traditional ruler died some hours after the passing away of Mr Buhari on Sunday.

Mr Sulu-Gambari said the late ex-president was a distinguished Nigerian and a true Muslim.

According to him, the late Buhari demonstrated love for Nigeria and Nigerians during his tenures as a military head of state and democratically elected president.

He said, “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 extended condolences to the entire members of the Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Buhari’s family, especially his widow, children and grandchildren, for the loss.

Mr Sulu-Gambari also commiserated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government and people of Katsina State and the Emir of Daura, Faruk Umar Faruk, over the incident.

He prayed to the Almighty Allah to accept his returns and good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Al-Janatul Firdaos.

Meanwhile, Mr 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,” Mr Sulu-Gambari said.

The emir extended condolences to the people of Ilorin Emirate, members of the Traditional Rulers Council, the late Awujale’s family, government and people of Ogun State.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to accept his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Al-janatul firdaus. 

(NAN)