The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is reported to have failed to honour the invitation to the burial of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ado Ibrahim.
The monarch d!ed peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, October 29, 2023, at the age of 94.
Reports say that neither the governor nor any government official from the state was at the event as Ado Ibrahim was laid to rest in the late hours of Sunday in accordance with Islamic customs.
According to a source privy to the incident, the burial was delayed till around 8:00p.m. as the community kept awaiting the arrival of the governor or representatives of the state government to grace the occasion.
The source told SaharaReporters that the governor’s absence sparked anger among residents, who blamed his absence at the burial on the strained relationship between him and the late monarch.
Back in 2022, Bello issued a query to the late monarch for not attending the inauguration of some projects in the state, some of which were in his domain when the former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari visited Egbiraland.
A source said, “So, many residents are angry that Yahaya Bello refused to attend the burial of the king who died yesterday.
“No government personnel even attended the burial, and the community had to delay the burial till around 8 p.m., hoping that the governor would attend or send representatives.”
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor shared Bello’s condolence message as the latter was in his hometown of Okene.
The message:
Ohinoyi’s Passing: I’ve lost a confidant, father figure, says Governor Bello
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, CON, said, on Monday, that the passing of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Sa’aki, was a painful and personal loss, describing him as a father figure and trusted confidant.
The Governor said the departure of the revered Royal Majesty had left a void that could not easily be filled, adding that he had lost a source of genuine wisdom, guidance, and unwavering leadership.
He spoke while addressing sympathisers at the Palace of the late traditional ruler, in Okene
Governor Bello, who had relocated to his country home in Okene on Sunday upon hearing of the demise of His Royal Majesty, noted that the late Ohinoyi was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions were truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State, but throughout Nigeria.
“I want to thank you all for your condolence messages to Anebira over the passing of our revered royal father, His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. For me, I have lost a father figure and a trusted confidant with the passing of Sa’aki. As we all know, His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim was renowned, not only for his role as a traditional leader, but also as an expert in conflict resolution.
“He was a distinguished scholar in Islamic and cultural affairs, and his contributions have been truly exceptional, not only in the progress of Kogi State but throughout Nigeria,” the Governor stated.
According to Governor Bello, the reign of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, was marked by peace, security, economic prosperity, and development in Ebiraland.
“The late king’s contributions were invaluable in maintaining stability in successive administrations in Kogi State. Late father played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and security in Ebiraland, and Kogi State in general. These are things we cannot easily forget,” he added.
Governor Bello, who visited the residence of the late traditional ruler at the Azad Palace in Okene on Monday, called upon the people of Ebiraland and beyond to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of the soul of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
He also extended his condolences to the immediate family of the late Royal Father, encouraging them to find solace in the impactful and fulfilling life he led during his time on earth.
During his address on behalf of the family, Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim, the eldest son of the late traditional ruler, expressed that their father led a fulfilled and impactful life. He also called upon everyone to offer their prayers for the peaceful repose of his father’s soul. Prince Nazi Ado Ibrahim commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his fraternal support throughout their father’s life and his valuable contributions during the funeral preparations.
In his vote of thanks, Colonel Aminu Ado Ibrahim encouraged the people of Ebiraland to uphold the legacy of peace, unity, and progress that prevailed during their father’s reign. He also expressed his appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for his unwavering support to the family during all times.
Born on February 7, 1929, AbdulRahman Ado Ibrahim was the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. With a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge, Dr. Ado Ibrahim was an economist with international education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1954 and 1959, respectively.
His Royal Majesty (Dr) Ado Ibrahim passed on at the age of 94 on October 29, 2023.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 30, 2023