Date: 2016-08-17

SENATE President, Bukola Saraki, Tuesday, expressed deep sadness over the passage of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmud Durosinlohun Atiku, at the age of 76. In a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, Saraki described the death of the elder statesman as a personal loss to him and a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Government and people of Kwara State and the entire country. He stated that the contributions of the deceased to the development of Ilorin during his 15-year reign as Balogun in particular, and Kwara state in general cannot be quantified. Saraki stated: "Alhaji Mahmud Durosinlohun Atiku was a friend and father to me. He was a complete gentleman.

He was always prepared to give up what is dear to him so long as such sacrificial gesture would contribute to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the people in his immediate domain and that of Kwara State. "He was an educationist par excellence who used his knowledge and wealth of experience to enrich the upcoming generation as a former Principal of the Government Technical College, Jebba. "His achievements marked him out for higher offices among which was his appointment as the Daudu of Afon town by the Emir of Ilorin – a position he held till he was elevated to the post of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin 15 years ago. "On the political front, he was a progressive who ensured that peace reigned in the Emirate and beyond. As a committed peacemaker, he mediated and helped resolve several community disputes and clashes, among others. "I am indeed pained by his demise.

I shall sorely miss his fatherly advice and counsel. I give glory to Allah for his glorious life. He was a constant source of inspiration to me. I cannot believe he has departed so soon," he said. The Senate President commiserated with the immediate family of the late Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, the Government and people of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin and the Ilorin Emirate's traditional council over the sad loss. He prayed Allah to grant the late Balogun Fulani of Ilorin Alijanah Fidaus, and his immediate family and loved once the grace to bear the irreparable loss.