Sympathisers on Wednesday in Ilorin besieged the GRA residence of the late Dr Olusola Saraki to mourn his demise, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The elder statesman died in the early hours of Wednesday in Lagos from a protracted illness.

NAN reports that most of the early callers at the residence were politicians from the PDP in the state while many women, who could not control their emotions, were sighted weeping at the passage of the elder statesman.

NAN also observed that some youths were clearing the bush around the residence of the late politician in preparation for his burial.

Chief Theophilus Bamigboye, a one-time Military Administrator of Osun and Bauchi States , said the demise of Saraki was ‘an irreparable loss’ to the state and Nigeria at large.

"I must say that I am short of words to express myself. The death of the Second Republic Senate Leader is no doubt a big minus for the state.

"The vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill. It is an irreparable loss," he said.

Alhaji Kayode Yusuf, an aide to the late Saraki, said while sobbing that the state had missed one of its best citizens.

"I cannot say anything for now please; we have really lost one of the best that Allah gave us in this state," he said.

Alhaji Oba Olanrewaju, a member of the PDP's Elders’ Forum in Ilorin Emirate, said that he received the news with " shock and disbelief."

"I must say that I received the news of the death of Baba Saraki with shock and disbelief.

" I know that all living creatures will die one day, but the news came to me as a rude shock," he said.

Meanwhile, a lawyer, Mr Hussain Buhari, has described the death of Saraki as a great loss to the country.

Buhari told NAN in an interview that Saraki’s death would affect the political landscape of the state.

"Saraki’s death will affect the political landscape of Kwara because the qualities he possessed cannot be inherited,'' he said.

Another lawyer, Mr Babatunde Gegele, said Saraki’s death marked the end of an era in Kwara politics.

Similarly, Mr Abdul-Rahoof Bello, the former Media and Publicity Secretary of the ANPP in Kwara, said Saraki was " a political torch bearer of the Ilorin Emirate."

"His philanthropic acts would be missed by the vast majority," he added.

Hon. Akeem Aiyedun, a member of the House of Representative, on his part expressed shock over the death of Saraki.

Aiyedun, who is representing Irepodun, Isin, Ekiti and Oke-Ero Federal Constituency, told NAN that Saraki was "a fearless leader who would be missed till eternity."

"You know what Saraki means to all of us in his camp, even beyond; we are still at a loss over his untimely death.

"I am particularly in a state of shock over his death. That is all I can say for now.

"We pray for his soul to rest in peace while God should give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," he said.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, described Saraki as the pillar behind traditional institutions in Kwara and beyond.

"He is very much loved by traditional authorities both in Kwara and beyond because of his respect and honour for that office," he said.

" His selfless service and advocacy toward improving the role of traditional rulers in the act of governance would forever be remembered," he said.

Mr Peter Oyinloye, the President, Omu-Aran Development Association, said Saraki’s death was a monumental loss to the people of Kwara and the country at large.

"He was rallying point for the elite and the political class.

"We are only consoled with the fact that he left behind good and solid legacies for generations yet unborn," he said.

ACN flag bearer in the 2011 governorship poll, Dele Belgore, said Nigeria had lost a politician who touched the lives of many people and whose contributions would be debated for years to come.

Belgore was among the early callers at the Ikoyi residence of the late politician on Wednesday morning.

Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, an aide to Belgore, quoted Belgore in a condolence message as saying:

"We are saddened by the sudden death of our father, Abubakar Olusola Saraki, who passed away today. No doubt, Nigeria has lost a political giant.

"He was a man who touched the lives of many people and whose contributions would be debated for years to come especially in Kwara where he was the dominant figure for over four decades.

"We condole with the family and friends and pray that the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest."

The Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, described the death of Saraki as a monumental loss to Nigeria.

He said the late politician lived an exemplary life and dedicated his life to the service of his people, particularly the downtrodden.

Oba described the late politician as a philanthropist of note who used his wealth to help the ordinary people.