President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has described a foremost traditional ruler in Kwara State, the Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Umar Chatta Ibrahim, as a man of peace whose reign witnessed monumental development in his domain in particular and Kwara State, in general.
Saraki made his remark in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Wednesday on the death of the traditional ruler.
“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 Senate president said he 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.
The traditional ruler died in Abuja Tuesday night after a brief illness.
The report of the emir’s death was contained in a message by the Personal Assistant to the Emir of Ilorin and the Chairman of the state’s Council of Emirs and Obas, Muritala Raheem.
He was the vice chairman of the state’s traditional council.
He is expected to be buried on Wednesday.
