Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has mourned the passing away of Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin.
Abubakar said the late Oba Erediauwa was a role model, an exceptional leader of not only his Benin people but a leading light in the committee of traditional rulers in the country.
The former Vice President in a statement by is media office in Abuja on Friday, noted that the late Benin monarch radiated royalty, majesty, wisdom, intelligence and nationalism even as he spared no effort in protecting the traditions and values of his people.
Abubakar noted the passing on of the monarch comes at a critical time when the country is facing numerous challenges of nation-building and would miss his wise counsel sorely.
The Turaki Adamawa called on the proud people of the Benin kingdom, the people and Government of Edo State and all Nigerians to take heart at the passing on of this illustrious royal personage adding that with the remarkable life he lived, the place of the Oba in Benin and Nigeria history is assured.
The former Vice President also extends his 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.