Kogi State Governor A Yahaya Bello yesterday commiserated with the Atta Igala, Alaji Matthew Ogwuche-Akpa II, on the demise of his elder brother, Prince James Faruna-Opaluwa.
Bello, in a statement in Lokoja by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed, sympathised with the Atta Igala, family members and the Igala people over the irreparable loss.
Faruna-Opaluwa died on Saturday, aged 69 after battling an illness.
Bello described the late Faruna-Opaluwa as a dedicated community leader and humble individual, who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the deceased to the progress and development of his community and his unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of those around him.
“I hereby wish to encourage your Royal Majesty and the family of the late Faruna-Opaluwa to find solace in the remarkable life he lived.
“It is quite remarkable that he will be remembered for the cherished memories he left behind,’’ he said.
Bello, however, prayed to God to comfort and strengthen the Attah Igala and the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss, and also grant eternal rest for the departed soul.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Faruna-Opaluwa was a great pillar and icon in the Aju- Amacho Dynasty.
He was a retired Programme Manager, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA).