President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday expressed deep sadness over the demise of the paramount ruler of Remoland, Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo, and the former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Magaji Abdullahi, and described their death as a colossal loss.

Saraki in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, commiserated with the Royal Family of Akarigbo of Remo, government and people of Ogun State and said that the monarch lived an eventful and accomplished life.

He recalled his contributions to the development of Ogun State during his 16 years reign as the paramount ruler of Remoland as well as the Chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council.

Saraki said: “Late Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo was a well respected traditional ruler in Yorubaland and beyond. His love and passion during his reign endear him to many people both within and outside the state.

“As a philanthropist of note, the late Royal Father was selfless and committed to the well-being of the average indigene of Ogun State in particular and the nation at large,” he said.

He urged the Ogun State Government to give the late Akarigbo of Remoland a befitting burial, saying his death was a great burden for his subjects and others who know him to bear.

Also, the Senate President condoled with the immediate family, Kano State Government and other associates of late Magaji Abdullahi who died after a protracted illness at his residence in Kano metropolis at the weekend.

Saraki said late Abdullahi was a leader of repute, having served the state in various capacities, as a Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport between 1989 and 1990, and later Commissioner for Water Resources.

“In his bid to further serve the people of his dear state, Magaji contested for governorship under the flag of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1991, a giant step from a patriotic statesman in a bid to render invaluable services to mankind. We shall sorely miss him," he said.

The Senate President called on Kano State Government to immortalise late Abdullahi for his steadfastness and patriotism to the course of developing the State during his lifetime.

He prayed God to grant the departed statesmen, eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

•Photo shows late Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo.

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