Monarch Hotel Boss, Yusuf Aliyu Dies at 61, Buried  ….Saraki, Eminent Kwarans Mourn Great Loss to Ilorin Emirate

By Omowumi Omotosho

The Ilorin Emirate was on Tuesday thrown into a great mourning following the sudden death of a prominent figure and the CEO of Monarch Luxury Suites and Maryam Events Center, Engr. Yusuf A. Aliyu, FNSE, at age 61.

Aliyu passed away on Tuesday due to what was reported as cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves throughout the community and beyond.

Known for his gentle nature, generosity, and benevolence, Engr. Aliyu was a philanthropist who touched countless lives through his charitable works. His sudden death has left a void that many believe will be difficult to fill.

On Wednesday, Engr. Aliyu was laid to rest at his residence in Fate, Ilorin, in an Islamic ceremony that drew a mammoth gathering of notable figures from various sectors of society.

Among those in attendance were former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold; Magaji Are of Ilorin, Alhaji Shuaib Aremu Zubair; Makakama of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye; and Managing Director of National Pilot, Alhaji Billy Adedamola.

Also present were former Chief Press Secretary to Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Mas’ud Adebimpe; Director-General of the Michael Imodu National Institute for Labour Studies, Comrade Issa Aremu; Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Yinka Aluko; and former Chief of Staff to Governor Ahmed, Hon. Abdulwahab Babatunde.

The gathering was a testament to the high regard in which Engr. Aliyu was held, reflecting the widespread grief that his death has caused.

The burial ceremony also saw the attendance of former members of the Kwara State House of Assembly, including Hon. Abdulmumin Katibi and Hon. Kayode Omotoshe, former PDP Board of Trustees member Alhaja Nimota Ibrahim; and former Kwara PDP Woman Leader, Hon. Sarat Adebayo.

Other dignitaries who paid their respects included former Commissioner for Economic Planning, Hon. Wasiu Odewale; Special Adviser to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Hon. Rasaq Jidda; former KWARTMA boss, Mr. Yekeen Bello; Barristers Bamidele Aluko and Funsho Saad; Dr. Saadu Alanamu, former Chairman of Ilorin South LG; Dr. Adebayo Ishola; Alhaji Abdulmumeen Nurudeen, former member of the Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare and former Chairman of Ilorin East LG, Barr Lateef Okandeji.

Also in attendance were, Hon. Musa Abdullahi, Alhaji Dembo, Alli Olola, Alhaji Nuru Jaji.

As the news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the state, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him.

The President of the 8th Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of Engr. Yusuf Aliyu.

Saraki described the passage of Aliyu as a significant blow to both the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

In a statement issued by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, Saraki expressed his shock and sadness at the news of Aliyu’s passing, calling it “sudden” and “saddening.” He highlighted the deceased’s role as a community leader, philanthropist, and a staunch advocate for peace and development in the region.

Saraki praised Aliyu’s character, noting, “It saddens me to hear about the demise of a dear supporter. Until his demise, he was a loyal and active member of our political structure. He was such a calm and unassuming personality who did a lot to bring development to our community without making noise about his efforts.”

He continued, “Engr. Aliyu was such a sound mind who left the oil sector as a top professional and chose to retire back home to join hands with others in developing our community. He invested in several sectors, including the hospitality industry, to generate jobs for the youth and build the local economy. He will be sorely missed.”

Saraki extended his condolences to Aliyu’s immediate family and the entire Ilorin Emirate, praying for strength for the bereaved. “My condolences go to his immediate family and the entire Ilorin Emirate. I pray God grants the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss and our departed brother, a place in Aljana Firdaus,” he stated.

Also, former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, expressed deep sorrow, describing Engr. Aliyu’s death as a significant loss “not only to his family but to the entire Ilorin East, the PDP, and Kwara State as a whole.” Prof. Ahmad remembered Engr. Aliyu as a man of exceptional character and a dedicated servant to his community, urging others to honour his memory by continuing his work and striving to improve the lives of others.

Likewise, the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA), under the auspices of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Engr. Aliyu. In a joint condolence message signed by the National President, Alh. Abdullahi Babatunde Salau, and the National Publicity Secretary, Alh. Mohammed Uthman Jagunma, the association described the late Engr. Aliyu as a noble son of Ilorin Emirate, whose contributions to the community were invaluable.

They praised his selflessness, compassion, and tireless efforts to uplift the less privileged, noting that his legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

The IEYDA’s statement highlighted Engr. Aliyu’s generosity, kindness, and dedication to the welfare of the people of Ilorin Emirate and beyond.

“Engr. Aliyu Yusuf was a true leader, mentor, and inspiration to many, whose legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for greatness,” the statement read.

The association extended its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the entire Isale-Oja Community, and all who were touched by his life while praying for Allah to grant him eternal rest and comfort those left behind.

As the Ilorin Emirate comes to terms with this monumental loss, the legacy of Engr. Yusuf A. Aliyu will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew him and benefited from his generosity. His life of service, philanthropy, and dedication to his community will be remembered for years to come, and his contributions to the development of Ilorin Emirate will not be forgotten.