Bello expresses sadness as Maigari of Lokoja dies at 80

The Paramount ruler of Lokoja, Kogi State, the Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Muhammad Maikarfi lll, is dead. He died at the age of 80 on Wednesday after brief illness in a private hospital in Abuja. He was one of the longest serving traditional rulers in the state, having ascended the throne in 1992.

The Secretary, Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council, Muhammed Usman, confirmed the death of the monarch in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The late Maigari was buried yesterday, according to Islamic rites.

MEANWHILE, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed sadness over the death of the royal father. In a statement signed, yesterday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, the governor described Maikarfi as one who distinguished himself as a lover of his people and the state; hence, he was committed to serving even from the esteemed position of a paramount ruler.

Bello noted that the Maigari was a man of peace, a belief he practised and preached to his subjects. He noted that, being traditional ruler of the capital city of the state, Maikarfi played a critical role in ensuring peaceful coexistence and togetherness, which would be his unforgettable legacies.

He noted that, as a governor, he had a personal relationship with the Maigari and was blessed by his counsels, admonition and support, which reflected the royal father’s vastness in history, richness in culture, wealth of experience, knowledge and wisdom.

Although, Lokoja monarch died at an old age, Bello maintained that he, as well as the entire state would miss him, as his death came at a time the election season, both at the national and state levels, bacons.

The governor, however, noted that he would take solace in the fact that the Maigari of Lokoja’s death is the will of God, and that he lived a fulfilled life in service of his people.