In a somber ceremony that adhered to Islamic traditions, the late Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, was laid to rest in his hometown of Okene, Kogi State, amidst a heartfelt prayer for his soul conducted by Chief Imam Sheik Salihu Ebere. The burial, which took place at approximately 8:40 p.m., was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the Attah of Igala land, His Royal Highness Matthew Opaluwa.
Alhaji Salihu Sule, the Secretary of the Ebiraland Traditional Council, shed light on why the burial was conducted at night. He explained that unforeseen challenges led to the delay in laying the late Ohinoyi to rest. The deceased’s body arrived in Okene from Abuja later than expected, at around 6:45 p.m., prompting a family meeting to be held prior to the final interment.
Born on February 7, 1929, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim served as the fourth traditional ruler and Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. Prior to assuming the throne in 1997 following the passing of the former Ohinoyi, Alhaji Muhammed Sani Omolori, Ibrahim had a successful career as a businessman. His education spanned across several prestigious institutions including Ondo Boys High School, Oduduwa College, the London School of Economics, and Harvard Business School, where he was a Ford Foundation Scholar.
The late Ohinoyi’s burial evoked a sense of both sorrow and respect within the Ebiraland community. Despite the unforeseen challenges that led to the burial taking place at night, the ceremony proceeded in accordance with Islamic customs, honoring the life and contributions of Alhaji Ado Ibrahim. May his soul rest in peace.
