16 June 2016
The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has joined other indigenes of Ilorin Emirate to mourn the passage of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Mahmoud Durosinlohun Atiku who passed on early Tuesday morning in his residence at the age of 76.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu,on Tuesday, Saraki described the death of the community leader as a personal loss to him and a colossal loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the Government and people of Kwara State.
Olaniyonu on behalf of his boss stated that the contributions of the deceased to the development of Ilorin during his 15-year reign as Balogun in particular, and Kwara state in general cannot be quantified.
“Alhaji Mahmud Durosinlohun Atiku was a friend and father to me. He was a complete gentleman. He was always prepared to give up what is dear to him so long as such sacrificial gesture would contribute to the peaceful and harmonious coexistence of the people in his immediate domain and that of Kwara State.
“He was an educationist par excellence who used his knowledge and wealth of experience to enrich the upcoming generation as a former Principal of the Government Technical College, Jebba.
“His achievements marked him out for higher offices among which was his appointment as the Daudu of Afon town by the Emir of Ilorin a position he held till he was elevated to the post of the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin 15 years ago.
“On the political front, he was a progressive who ensured that peace reigned in the Emirate and beyond. As a committed peacemaker, he mediated and helped resolve several community disputes and clashes, among others.
“I am indeed pained by his demise. I shall sorely miss his fatherly advice and counsel. I give glory to Allah for his glorious life. He was a constant source of inspiration to me. I cannot believe he has departed so soon,” he said.
The Senate President commiserated with the immediate family of the late Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, the Government and people of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin and the Ilorin Emirate’s traditional council over the sad loss.