By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Ebira Peoples Association, EPA, has mourned the death of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM, Dr.Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim, who died in Abuja on sunday during an illness, aged 94 and whose three-day Islamic prayer, for the reposed soul, was observed in Okene,north central Nigeria on Tuesday.
EPA, the apex association for Ebiraland, expressed the condolences in a statement signed by its President General, Dr. Godwin Oyibo
and a copy made available to The Reporters in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The association writes:
“CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF OUR BELOVED KING, HIS MAJESTY, DR. ADO IBRAHIM CON, OHINOYI EBIRA.
Dear beloved Anegbira,
Today, we are gathered with heavy hearts and deep sorrow to pray for the soul of our deceased revered leader, the Paramount King of Ebira, His Royal Majesty, King (Dr) Ado Ibrahim CON.
The leadership of EPA, like every Anegbira, feels the harsh pains brought by the exit of this colossus. His departure from this world leaves a void that can never be filled, not only in our hearts but also in the very essence of our rich cultural heritage. As we all stand in this moment of shared grief, we need to recline back in faith to God Almighty who created him and the rest of us. No doubt we all loved him and wished that he lived longer but we cannot question the verdict of his creator. As we accept this reality however, we will be missing his wise counsels, his discipline, humor and the pride he represents for the entire Egbira people both at home and in diaspora.
At this period, we must not forget that we are one people, bound by a common heritage, shared traditions, and unbreakable unity that transcends time and space. Our King, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim CON, embodied the essence of our identity and a towering symbol of our unity and strength.
I must not fail to particularly mention that in his last days, His Majesty played a pivotal role in mobilizing our community for the proposed Population and Housing Census by the Federal Government of Nigeria which was recently put on hold. Recognizing the importance of accurate data for collective societal development, His Majesty was readily available for EPA in all areas of needs. We enjoyed an unfettered access to a lot of facilities in his palace all through the period of our community mobilization exercise. He held back nothing from us in the course of our services. At every daunting point in community outings, His Majesty refueled and energized us with soul lifting words like these among others, “Chairman, move on, the Ohiku is with you, and “Let me know wherever you need me”.
As we navigate this period of bereavement, let us extend our hands to one another, offering comfort and solace to one another, supporting one another with love and compassion Let us honour the memory of our King by standing together, by strengthening the bonds that unites us, and carrying forward the legacy he left behind.
As I conclude, I like to specifically commiserate with his immediate family – his wives and children; the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; Nigerian Council of Traditional Rulers, where he served as its Vice Chairman, (North Central), Kogi State Traditional Council; Ebira Area Traditional Council; Council of Daudus and friends and associates of our King.
We join all the clergies present here this morning to pray that the soul of our beloved King, His Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, find eternal rest, and his legacy continues to guide us as we move forward as one people, upholding the principles he held dearly. Amen.”
