Former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the death of Her Highness, Queen Goni Soba Sulu-Gambari, wife of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Saraki, in a condolence message shared on his Facebook page on Thursday, described the deceased as an important figure in the history of the Sulu-Gambari royal family and the Ilorin traditional institution.

He extended his condolences to the Emir of Ilorin, Prince Modibbo Sulu-Gambari, members of the Sulu-Gambari royal family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.

Saraki described the late queen as the beloved wife of the revered 9th Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Shehu Sulqornain bn Muhammad Laufe Dan Bawa, saying her death represented a profound loss to the royal family and the emirate.

He noted that Queen Goni Soba occupied an important place in the history of the Sulu-Gambari royal family and the traditional institution.

Saraki prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds and grant her Al Jannatul Firdaus.

He also prayed that Allah would make her grave a place of peace and light while granting the Emir, members of the Sulu-Gambari family and the people of Ilorin Emirate the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

"May Allah (SWT) grant His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, the entire Sulu-Gambari Royal Family and all of us in the Ilorin Emirate the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. Ameen," he said.