Saraki, The Godfather Goes Home

The casket bearing the remains of the late Saraki being taken for burial in Ilorin, yesterday.

The casket bearing the remains of the late Saraki being taken for burial in Ilorin, yesterday.

The sun set for Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, the Kwara State political godfather, whose political career spanned over four decades, on Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, Northcentral Nigeria.

His remains were committed to mother earth later in the day during which dignitaries across political divides paid their last respects.

The casket bearing the remains of the late Saraki being taken for burial in Ilorin, yesterday.

The Second Republic Senate Leader who was instrumental to the enthronement of five Kwara State governors, several senators and House of Representatives members, ministers among others, died in Lagos early Wednesday and his body was flown to Ilorin in the afternoon for burial according to Islamic rites.

A medical practitioner, politician and businessman, the late Saraki was said to have battled cancer for five years before he finally bowed to death at about 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

Ilorin literarily stood still for ‘Oloye’ when the state government announced a work-free day to enable civil servants and others gather at his Iloffa road, GRA residence to witness his interment at about 6.30 p.m.

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammed Sahihu Bashir, who led the fidau prayers amid tears and sobs from thousands of his supporters including his widow, Mrs. Morenike Saraki and his children including the former political foes, former Governor Bukola Saraki now a Senator and Senator Gbemisola Saraki who were united by the demise of their father and political mentor.

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Saraki was later buried near his popular sitting room where he used to receive visitors at his Iloffa, GRA, Ilorin home after another round of fidau prayers led by Sheikh Farouk Onikijipa and AbdulRasak Aduagba.

Meanwhile, torrents of tributes have continued to pour in for the late Saraki from prominent Nigerians such as President Goodluck Jonathan; Senate President David Mark; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, serving and former state governors and political leaders.

Saraki died at his Cameron Ikoyi, Lagos residence on Wednesday. He was aged 79. His close associates said Saraki had looked forward to marking his 80th birth in May 2013.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has declared three days of mourning as a mark of respect to the departed godfather of Kwara politics.

—Moyo Fabiyi

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