The Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi has described the death of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdul Rahaman Ado Ibrahim, as a colossal loss to Ebiraland, Kogi State, and Nigeria at large, saying that the demise came at a time when the entire nation needed him most, especially his depth of knowledge and vast experience in matters of peace and tolerance.

Reacting to the death of the first-class monarch through a statement signed by the University Public Relations Officer, Mr. Daniel Nwankwo, the Vice-Chancellor commiserated with the family of the deceased, the Kogi State Government, and the citizens of the State, particularly the Ebira people both at home and in the diaspora.

"I am deeply saddened by the sad news of the passing of His Royal Majesty, Alh. Dr. Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. His demise is a huge loss to the Ebira people, Kogi State, and the nation. It is also a personal loss for me because I have, at sundry times, benefited from his great wealth of wisdom on different occasions when I visited his magnificent palace in Okene. 

"Since I assumed office as Vice-Chancellor, my administration has enjoyed the tremendous support and goodwill of His Royal Majesty, whose fatherly role and wise counsel have been our guiding lights. We saw his passion and love for education, he had always demonstrated his unalloyed commitment to the development of our University - FUL.

"We are indeed pained by his death which came as a rude shock to all of us at FUL, but take solace in his endearing legacies of love for people, humility, integrity, and selflessness which he exuded with a radiance of royalty and candor as a great king. His sterling leadership qualities, and significant contributions to peace, good governance, and nation-building will be profoundly missed. 

"On behalf of the Management and the entire Federal University Lokoja Community, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the good people of Ebiraland, and the Kogi State Government led by His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello," Prof. Akinwumi remarked.

The Vice-Chancellor prayed God to grant his soul Jannatul Firdaus and give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Dr. Ado Ibrahim died on Sunday, 29th October 2023 at the age of 94 and has since been buried according to Islamic rites.