Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said that the late Oba Erediauwa of Benin was a role model, exceptional leader and leading light in the comity of traditional rulers in the country.
A statement by the Head of Media to Atiku, Paul Ibe, in Abuja on Friday, said Erediauwa radiated royalty, majesty, wisdom, intelligence and nationalism even as he spared no effort in protecting the traditions and values of his people.
It stated that the passing of the monarch came at a critical time when the country was facing numerous challenges of nation-building and would miss his wise counsel.
The statement called on “the proud people of Benin kingdom, the people and Government of Edo State and all Nigerians to take heart at the passing on of this illustrious royal personage.
“The remarkable life he lived, the place of the Oba in Benin and Nigeria history are assured.”
The statement extended condolences to the Benin royal family and called on all its members to take heart and honour the memory of the late Oba by working for peace, which was a cardinal pursuit of the monarch during his lifetime.
Also, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State described late Erediauwa as committed nationalist and traditional ruler par excellence whose reign brought tremendous progress to Benin Kingdom in particular and Edo state in general.
A condolence message issued in Sokoto on Friday by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, quoted Tambuwal as saying that the deceased monarch lived a life of service to his people and the nation at large.
“Oba Erediauwa has written his name in gold, through his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the nation’s socio-economy, as well as his globally acknowledged views on governance, public policy, history and leadership.
“He was an accomplished Nigerian and a seasoned bureaucrat whose ideals will be cherished for a long time by succeeding generations of Nigerians.
“The governor extends the condolences of the people and government of Sokoto State to the royal family, the people and government of Edo over the loss.”
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