Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the passing away of the Second Republic Senate Majority Leader, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, as a colossal loss, not only to the people of Kwara, but also to the entire country.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said the news of the death of the ‘Strongman of Kwara Politics' came to him as a shock. He described it as unfortunate.

He said the people of Kwara State and indeed other Nigerians would sorely miss the political sagacity, organisational ability and administrative wizardry of the late Dr. Saraki, which placed him above his peers in the political circle.

"Dr. Saraki was a shining example of humility and philanthropy, as he shared virtually everything he had with the needy, irrespective of where they came from. "Though he never held any political office since 1983 when he left the Senate, he endeared himself to the hearts of Kwarans, thus becoming a rallying point in the politics of the state.

"Dr. Saraki left an indelible imprint in the sand of time. The vacuum created by his death will be difficult to fill," the governor said.

While commiserating with the Saraki family, the government and people of Kwara State on the demise of the elder statesman, Governor Ajimobi urged them to seek solace in the fact that the medical doctor-turned-politician lived a fulfilled life and served God and humanity.

He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.