From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has described as painful the death of the Aren Eggon, His Royal Highness Dr Bala Angbazo, saying it is a great loss to the people of the state.
The Voice earlier reported that Dr Angbazo, the paramount ruler of Eggon died in the early hours of Wednesday at the age of 89, after a protracted illness.
Sule, while on a condolence visit at the palace of the Aren Eggon, in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, said the late traditional ruler was a total gentleman and a man of peace.
According to him, the monarch played key roles not only in the development of the state but the country at large.
He urged the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Eggon, Nasarawa State, as well as the entire country to take solace in the fact that death was inevitable.
“Today his time has come because God has already promised us that every life must taste death. And everyone of us, one way or the other, will join in the call of the almighty Allah.
“I use this opportunity on behalf of the people and government of Nasarawa State to pay sincere condolences to you our royal fathers, the immediate family, the Eggon Nation, to the good people of Nasarawa State and indeed, people of Nigeria, because this is a gentleman that has played a key role, not only to develop Nasarawa State but actually the country as a whole,” the governor said.
The governor, while condoling all the members of the deceased family, as well as members of the Aren Eggon Traditional Council, assured that his administration will continue to support them, as well as the Aren Eggon palace.
The governor, who appreciated the traditional rulers for their show of love and for rallying round to support one of their own, who passed on, prayed God to grant the monarch eternal rest.
Responding on behalf of the Nasarawa Council of Chiefs, as well as the family of the deceased, Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage (Rtd) thanked the governor for his prompt visit, describing him as a true leader, who has this people at heart.
The Emir of Lafia, represented by the Emir of Keffi, HRH Dr Shehu Yamusa III, assured the governor of continued support of the traditional institution, adding that they will continue to support his administration to succeed.
The Emir, who also condoled with the family and the people of the state said: “All our prayers to Allah is to give us somebody that will continue with the good work of our father that has left.
“We pray that whoever that is going to come, will take the entire community as one and seek for the development of Nasarawa Eggon and seek for the development of Nasarawa State and also seek for the development of the entire Nigeria.”
The Voice reports that the Aren Eggon died as the longest serving traditional ruler in the state as he was installed on July 11, 1981 and had spent 41 years on the throne.