Kwara Gov, Emir of Ilorin, Eminent Nigerians Mourn, As Condolences Pour In for Saraki Family on the Passing of Matriarch, Morenike

By Omowumi Omotosho

On Wednesday, dignitaries and organizations from across Nigeria and around the globe extended their heartfelt condolences to the Saraki family following the passing of their matriarch, Mrs. Morenike Florence Saraki. The sad news was announced on Tuesday via the official Facebook page of Dr. Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and prominent Nigerian politician.

Mrs. Morenike Florence Saraki was widely respected and admired for her contributions to her family and the larger community. Her passing has left a significant void, and her memory is being honored by many.

The news of Mrs Saraki’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from various quarters. The Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq sent his condolences to the Saraki family, particularly commiserating with former Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, and Mr. Olaolu Saraki.

In a statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, Governor AbdulRazaq urged the family to find consolation in the fine legacies of their matriarch. “We pray to God to repose the soul of Chief Mrs. Florence Saraki and uphold the family after her death,” he stated.

Similarly, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, commiserated with the Saraki family. He described Mrs. Saraki as a wonderful mother, a great philanthropist, and a virtuous wife of the late Olusola Saraki.

“Her contributions to humanity will forever be remembered,” the Emir stated. He extended heartfelt condolences to Dr. Bukola Saraki and his siblings, stressing that “Late Madam Florence Morenike Saraki lived a fulfilled life with numerous accomplishments.”

The monarch prayed for Almighty God to repose her soul and grant the families the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Likewise, Former Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, also expressed his sorrow over the passing of Mrs. Florence Saraki.

“She was a woman of extraordinary grace and a strong pillar of support for her family. I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the former Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki, Former Transportation Minister, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki, and the entire Saraki family over this painful loss,” Abdullahi said

The immediate past Kwara Central Senator and Amirul-Hajj for Kwara State, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, in a heartfelt message from Saudi Arabia, expressed profound sadness and shock over the loss. He described Mrs. Saraki as an exemplary figure and a strong reference for the women.

“It was with sadness amid shock that I received the death of Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who was the wife of the late political icon of our dear state, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki,” Oloriegbe stated.

“Mama’s demise signifies the close of an era in the history of the country. She was no doubt an exemplary reference for the womenfolk, with the way she strongly handled the family during and after the lifetime of her husband.” He stated.

As condolences troop in, the Kwara State People Democratic Party’s governorship candidate of 2019, Atunwa commiserates with the Saraki family. He projected that ” Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, is indeed a blessing to us all and a role model to every mother.”

He therefore prayed for the Saraki family that Allah give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Numerous organizations, including various humanitarian organizations, and political entities, have paid tribute to Mrs. Saraki’s legacy.

The founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Saraki’s daughter-in-law, Toyin Saraki, on her official Instagram page also joined her husband in affirming the death of Mrs Saraki as she showered praises on the late monarch.

Also, the management and staff of Nationalpilot Newspaper in a statement signed by the Managing director and the Editor-in-Chief in chief of the Medium, Alhaji Billy Adedamola stated that “Mrs Saraki’s legacy of kindness, strength, and compassion has left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her contributions to the community and her unwavering support for those around her will always be remembered with profound respect and admiration.”

The Saraki Dynasty Group (SDG) also paid tribute, expressing their deep condolences to Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, and the entire Saraki family. They highlighted her role as a resilient, compassionate, and kind matriarch whose legacy will continue to inspire and guide those she left behind.

The Irepodun People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed their grief, extending condolences to Senator Bukola Saraki, the entire Saraki family, and the PDP community. The Chairman of Irepodun PDP, Hon. Oluwole Adeyeye praised Mama Saraki’s contributions to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria. “Mama without mixing words contributed positively to the development of the state and the nation at large personally and through her children. We pray to God to grant Mama eternal rest and to fill the vacuum she left behind,” Adeyeye stated.

In a similar vein, the Kwara State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) released a statement mourning the passage of Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki. The state chairman, Rt. Honorable Babatunde Mohammed described her as a strong pillar of support whose life was marked by profound impact and unwavering dedication.

The Agbaji Development Association (ADA) also mourned the loss, acknowledging the deep impact of Mrs. Saraki’s passing on the Agbaji community, Ilorin, and Owo towns. “Mama Morenike will be remembered as a strong pillar of support, a mother who loved and raised great leaders. We are consoled by the fact that she raised her children to positively impact the lives of Kwarans and Nigerians,” said Mallam Abdulkadir Yunus Lasiele, National President of ADA.

Furthermore, the Ilorin Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) expressed similar sentiments, with National President Alhaji AbdulMumini Ayo Abdulmalik describing Mrs. Saraki’s death as a significant loss to the Saraki family, Ilorin Emirate, and the nation. “She was an embodiment of humility, hard work, and fraternity,” he said.

The Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, also expressed deep sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences. He praised Chief Mrs. Saraki as a pillar of strength and a guiding light whose legacy will continue to inspire many. “Her life was a testament to the virtues of love, resilience, and faith. She played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her children, who have gone on to serve Nigeria with distinction,” Prof. Sulaiman stated.

The Chairman of Ashmed Hospital and Health Insurance Service, Dr Audu Idowu Musa, also mourned the passing of Mrs. Saraki. He acknowledged her as a woman of great strength, wisdom, and compassion, whose legacy of kindness and commitment to the welfare of others will continue to inspire.

Hon. Adamu Isa Bawa honored Mrs. Saraki as a maternal figure whose warmth and kindness extended beyond her immediate family. “Her life was characterized by compassion, generosity, and unwavering support for her community. The profound impact of Mrs. Saraki on her community cannot be overstated. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on as a beacon of hope and humanity in the hearts of all who knew her,” Bawa stated.

The Chairman of Sakshandlin Consultants Limited, Yusuf Eletu Saka, also offered his condolences to the Saraki family. In his signed message, Saka expressed his deepest sympathies to Dr. Bukola Saraki and acknowledged the significant loss felt by the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Likewise, a business mogul and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Mashood Mustapha, also commiserated with the Saraki family over the death of their matriarch. In his condolence message, Mustapha described the death of Mrs. Saraki as a colossal loss, highlighting her valor, kindness, and significant societal contributions.

Also in his message on Wednesday, former Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Professor Ali Ahmad, expressed sadness over the demise of Mrs Saraki. He described the news of the matriarch passing as ” sad and shocking”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of Ekiti LG Chapter also extended their condolences to the entire Saraki family over the loss of Mrs Saraki. The LG Party Chairman, Chief Felix Agbelusi Olushola, described her death as a significant and irreparable loss, emphasizing the void she left behind.

The Dan-Iyan N’geri of Ilorin Emirate and Hasken Lafiagi of Lafiagi Emirate, Engr. Suleiman Bolakale Kawu also expressed his deepest sympathy to the Sarakis over the death of their matriarch. Kawu described her as a kind, diligent, and godly mother whose wisdom will be missed.

Also, the forum of ex-Kwara lawmakers expressed shock over the passing of Chief Mrs Saraki. In a statement signed by Chairman Dr. Abraham Ashaolu and Secretary Hon. Bola Mogaji, they described her as a woman with a large heart who supported her husband throughout his political career. They commiserated with the Saraki family, noting that she lived an exemplary life.

As the Saraki family mourns their loss, they are comforted by the widespread support and the numerous tributes celebrating the life and legacy of Mrs. Morenike Florence Saraki. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, and many anticipate that the ceremonies will see a significant gathering of dignitaries and well-wishers.