Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Death of Soludo’s Father

•President grieves over demise of Sheikh Yusuf Ali

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have sympathised with Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on the demise of his father, Pa Simeon Soludo, aged 92.

The President, according to a statement issued yesterday, by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, described Pa Soludo, as a dignified and charitable family man, who lived a fruitful life that was exemplified in the achievements, personal quality, and sterling records of his son, Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

“I pray the Almighty God grant your beloved father eternal rest. He lives through you still; in your sincerity, good works and deeds,” President Tinubu said

The President encouraged Soludo and the good people of Anambra State to take solace in the excellent legacy of the departed nonagenarian.

Pa Soludo was said to have died in the early hours of yesterday.

A short press statement by the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime announced the death.

Aburime said: “Pa Soludo is survived by seven sons, eight daughters-in-law, 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Governor Soludo noted that his late father lived a fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of 92. Further information will be communicated to the public in due course.”

However, Sanwo-Olu commiserated with his Anambra State counterpart on the death of his father.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, noted that Pa Soludo lived a fulfilled life.

He urged Governor Soludo, the deceased family, friends and associates, as well as indigenes of Umueze, Isuofia community and the entire people of Anambra State to immortalise the good name of the late nonagenarian.

Sanwo-Olu stated that no matter how old, no one wants to lose his or her loved ones, saying that the fact that Pa Soludo left a legacy and died at the ripe age of 92, called for celebration.

He said, “On behalf of the good people of Lagos State and my adorable wife, Ibijoke, I sympathise with my colleague, Governor Charles Soludo, on the demise of his beloved father, Pa. Simeon Nwankwo Soludo.

“I also send my heartfelt condolences to the entire Soludo family and the people of Anambra State over the death of the Governor’s father.

“The elderly and wise counsel of Pa Soludo would be sorely missed not only by his family but the entire people of Umueze, Isuofia community and the entire people of Anambra State. 

“I pray God will grant Pa Simeon Nwankwo Soludo eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Meanwhile, Tinubu has expressed grief over the death of foremost Islamic scholar, Sheikh Yusuf Ali, who died in the early hours of Monday, at 73.

The President, in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, sent a message of condolence to the family, students, and followers of the Kano-based scholar who held the position of Sarkin Malamai of Gaya Emirate.

Tinubu, described the death of the religious leader as one that reverberates across the country in view of the late scholar’s wide network of followers, especially among the Tijjaniyya sect in Nigeria and beyond.

According to the President, “As a teacher, poet, jurist, Islamic preacher, and herbalist, Sheikh Yusuf Ali has impacted a multitude of people throughout his life. His life was dedicated to the search and propagation of knowledge.”

Tinubu sympathised with the late Sheikh’s family, his followers, the government and people of Kano State, and the Nigerian Muslim community over the loss.

The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the renowned Islamic scholar.