Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Pays Condolence Visit to Late Ohinoyi’s Family

It was a carnival of love as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, yesterday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, in Okene. 

While addressing sympathisers at the palace of the late monarch, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that he was a greater lover of Ebiraland.

“I have always come into this palace as a little girl but today it’s with a heavy heart that I have to be remanded outside the palace, God knows why. Thus, as the walls of this palace are held together by pillars, our father, His Royal Majesty, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim was a great pillar to me and for that we are here to pay our last respect and appreciate him for being a great support to our electioneering struggle and it’s success today. May soul rest in peace,” the senator said.

She also extended her deepest gratitude to the people of Ebiraland for their massive support during the electioneering period that saw her emergence as Kogi Central senator.

Highlight of the visit was the warm reception accorded Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, with a great show of street credibility by the people.

Born on February 7, 1929, Abdulrahmanhman Ado Ibrahim was the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. 

With a strong foundation in Islamic knowledge, Dr Ado Ibrahim was an economist with international education, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a Master’s degree from Harvard Business School in 1954 and 1959, respectively. 

His Royal Majesty Ado Ibrahim passed on October 29, 2023 at the age of 94.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s full speech read: “Good evening, esteemed indigenes of Kogi central. I stand before you today, not within the walls of the palace, but outside its gates. I have been denied access, but that will not deter me from joining you all to pay last respect to our late king. 

“The denial of access to the palace is not just a personal affront, but a symbol of the larger challenges we face… freedom from intimidation and respect for humanity. It is a reflection of a system that seeks to silence those who dare to speak up, who dare to challenge the status quo.

“The sight of you all before me is awe-inspiring. The sheer number of people gathered here is a testament to the power of unity and the strength of our voices. It is overwhelming, and it is intimidating, but it is also a reminder that I wasn’t alone in our fight for justice and progress.

“I am Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and I have dedicated my life to serving the people of Kogi Central and the entire Kogi State, I have fought tirelessly for the rights and well-being of our community as an ordinary citizen and I will continue to do so, regardless of the obstacles placed in my path now as your senator. 

Furthermore, we as Ebira people will strive to uphold the visionary principles and community developmental goals our late father HRM envisioned for Ebiraland. 

However, while we call for and promote peace, we shall not shy away from demanding accountability from our government. The fight for economic development and social justice is a far cry from being achieved….but it’s possible. 

“So, let us march forward, united in our purpose, and unwavering in our determination. Let us show the world that the power of the people cannot be denied. Together, we will create a brighter tomorrow for Kogi Central, Kogi State and Nigeria at large. Thank you for your unwavering support.”