The Senate on Wednesday, November 8, observed a minute silence in honour of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim.
This is even as the red chamber urged the federal government to immortalize the late monarch by naming the Federal College of Education, Okene after him.
The Senate also resolved to send a condolence letter to commiserate with the family people of Ebiraland over the sad incident.
The resolutions of the Senate followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Demise of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Abdulralman Ado Ibrahim (7 February 1929 – 29 October 2023).”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP-Kogi Central).
Akpoti-Uduaghan who betrayed emotions and consistently wiped tears from her eyes while presenting her motion, said the Senate noted with shock, the death of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim, on Sunday, 29th October, 2023 at an Abuja Hospital at the age of 94.
The motion reads in part: “Also notes that Ado Ibrahim was born on the 7th February 1929 and he attended both western nursery and Quranic schools.
“He went on to conclude his primary education in 1940 at the Native Authority (NA) Primary School in Okene in the then Kwara state. He began his secondary school education at Ondo Boys High School and later moved to Oduduwa College, where he graduated in 1949.
“In 1954, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the prestigious London School of Economics, a Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Jos and a Master’s Degree from Harvard Business School in the year 1959;
“Further notes that following the death of Ohinoyi Sanni Omolori in 1997, the Lagos-based entrepreneur and Son of the first paramount ruler of Ebiraland, Abdulrahman Ado Ibrahim, ascended the Ebira throne as the third Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on June 2, 1997;
“Aware that his enthronement as the Ohinoyi of Ebira land was a grand occasion, attended by thousands of Ebiras and international diplomats and was broadcast on major Nigerian Television stations for days. He ruled Ebiraland from his magnificent pavilion, AZAD Palace named after his son. The palace is rated as one of the most beautiful palaces in Africa;
“Recalls that since he ascended the throne on 2nd June 1997 as Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Majesty proved to be a veritable bridge-builder, peacemaker and social scientist who was more at home with analysis and actions.
“In several private conversations with illustrious sons of Ebira, he always dismissed the acrimonious exchanges between the contending parties in the overall political contestations of Ebira land.
“Even when the Supreme Court in August 2015 affirmed his appointment as the Paramount Traditional Ruler of Ebira people, he chose to remain magnanimous in victory;
“Aware that before ascending the throne, Ado-Ibrahim was a very successful businessman. He established Nestle Nigeria Limited and became the founding Chairman.
“As a pioneer mining engineer, he invested into mining prospecting business, held several positions in UAC, Kingsway Stores and Amalgamated Tin Mines of Nigeria Ltd;
“Informed that Dr. Ado Ibrahim competently provided leadership to the people and his illustrious life indeed was very eventful. It can be remembered, with vivid recollection, his vast business empire, which provided employment opportunities to several thousands of Nigerians and served in the following capacities: Coordinator; North Central Traditional Rulers Council; Vice President; Jamatu Nasirin Islam in Nigeria; Vice President; Kogi State Council of Chiefs; Vice President; Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs; and Patron; Miners Association of Nigeria;
“Convinced that he was an eminent and committed leader, incisive thinker, and a philanthropist whose interest is to serve both his people and humanity; and Regrets that his demise is a great loss to his family, Ebira Clan, Kogi State in particular, and Nigeria in general.”
Senators in their contributions eulogized the late monarch and approved the prayers of the motion which they were put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
