Dr Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Senator representing Kwara Central at the National Assembly has expressed grief over the passing of Alhaji Abdullahi Atanda, describing him as a complete gentleman whose patriotic spirit is worthy of emulation.
The lawmaker also sent his condolence message to the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, as well as the leadership and members of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU).
Alhaji Atanda, an Ilorin elderly statesman, died in the wee hours of today after a brief old-age related illness.
The late patriarch served as President of the IEDPU between 2000 and 2004, and was also a leading Islamic scholar.
In a statement made available to The Ravens, Oloriegbe wrote: “Alh. Abdullahi Atanda is a complete gentleman; one of the elders who distinguished themselves amongst their peers with selfless contributions to the development of our dearest community.
“I recall he was until today one of the few surviving members of the Ilorin Central Mosque Management Committee which was constituted in the ’70s to manage the affairs of our revered Central Mosque. The committee included my late father, Alh. Yahaya Oloriegbe.
“The history of IEDPU is also incomplete without a reference to his sterling tenure as President aside other altruistic services he rendered to the union, Ilorin community and Kwara State as a whole.
“I hereby express my condolence to our revered Emir, the IEDPU, and most especially the immediate family of the deceased. May Almighty Allah accept his return unto Him with unending forgiveness and mercy coupled with Janatul Firdaus as his final abode.”
