By Omowumi Omotosho
Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf Okunrinjeje is dead.
The traditional ruler reportedly passed on in the early hours of Sunday.
Reacting to the demise of the royal father, the President of the 8th Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, described the death of Alhaji Okunrinjeje as a personal loss to him, a big loss to the Emirate and Kwara State.
In a statement signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday, Saraki described the late Balogun Ajikobi as a father figure whose love and advice impacted individuals and society.
He noted that the 12th Balogun Ajikobi will be remembered for his leadership prowess, community service, and preservation of traditional heritage.
Saraki, the Waziri Ngeri of the Ilorin Emirate, commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ilorin Emirate and the family of the aged traditional leader.
“The death of the 12th Balogun Ajikobi of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf Okunriji, is a personal loss to me, a big loss for the Emirate and Kwara at large.
“The late Baba was a father figure whose fatherly role, love and advice were invaluable to many.
“We take solace in his good deeds to humanity, our Emirate and the state,” he said.
He prayed to Allah to grant him peaceful, eternal rest and uphold the family he left behind.
Also mourning the death of the 12th Balogun Ajikobi, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari expressed deep sadness over the loss.
The Emir, in a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, said: “Inna lillahi Waina Rojihun, today Sunday 23rd February 2025, I received the news of the demise of Alhaji Isiaka Okunrinjeje, a very loyal and committed traditional chief and one the Kingmakers in the Ilorin Emirate.”
According to the statement, “The passing of Balogun Ajikobi is a tremendous loss, and his legacy will be deeply missed. He was truly a complete gentleman who gave his all to the advancement of the Ilorin Emirate, Balogun Ajikobi dynasty and humanity at large.”
Alhaji Sulu-Gambari however sent his condolences to the family members of the deceased both immediate and extended saying, “May the entire Ajikobi family be comforted during this difficult time.”
The Emir therefore prayed Almighty Allah to grant him absolute forgiveness, accept his good deeds and grant him Al-janatul firdaos.
