Mark, Ogbeha, Faleke Mourn Obaro of Kabba

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark and Senator Tunde Ogbeha yesterday mourned the passage of the Obaro of Kabba in Kogi State, Oba Michael Folorunsho Olobayo, describing his death as the loss of a quintessential royal father who lived his life for the growth of his community as well as the Okun nation.

In separate condolence messages to the Obaro family, the Kabba community and Kogi State government, the duo said the late royal father was a detribalised Nigerian who cultivated friendship beyond the frontiers of Okun land.
Specifically, Mark stated: “Kabiyesi in humility built friendship far beyond the shores of Okun. He was a brother, friend and committed patriot who sought the best for his people.

“He was an embodiment of peace and preached this to everyone who came his way during his lifetime. We shall sorely missed him.

“He will be remembered for the development which characterized his 30 year reign as Obaro of Kabba.”
Mark therefore urged the people of Kabba and Okun nation in general to uphold the legacies of peace, unity and unwavering commitment to development which the late royal father stood for.

He urged the children of the late Obaro to take solace in the good works their father left behind.
On his part, Ogbeha who represented Kogi West senatorial district in the Senate from 1999 – 2003 and 2003 -2007 noted that the late Obaro Olobayo was a pillar of support during his electioneering days.

He said the people of Kogi State will miss the wise counsel of the late Obaro who was always handy especially during trying times.

Ogbeha therefore enjoined the government of Kogi State to immortalise the late Obaro for his immeasurable contributions to the unity and development of the state.

Until his demise, the late Obaro Olobayo was the Obaro of Kabba and the chairman of Okun Traditional Council of Chiefs in Kogi State.

Also, the deputy governorship candidate in the November 21, 2016 governorship election in Kogi State, Hon James Faleke, described the death of Oba Olobayo as a huge loss not only to the state but the country in general.
In a statement signed on his behalf by the Director, Media and Publicity, Audu/Faleke Political Organisation, Hon. Duro Meseko, Faleke, said the demise of the frontline monarch came as a monumental shock to Nigerians especially Okun people.

“When I read the report in the newspaper that Kabiyesi (Oba Olobayo) had joined his ancestors at age 71, I was dumbfounded. The stark reality quickly dawned on me that Nigerians, Kogites and indeed Okun people had lost a rare unifier, a bridge builder, an astute and charismatic leader who exuded uncommon forthrightness all through his years on the throne,” he lamented.

For us in the Audu/Faleke Political Organisation, “Nigerians have lost a rare gift, a humble royal father who contributed in no small measure to the development of the country, Kogi state and indeed Okunland.”
Faleke urged Okun people especially Kabba people to take solace in the fact that the late monarch had laid a solid foundation for peace, unity and development of the community, and that all hands must be on deck to build on those legacies.