President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of the traditional ruler of Ndufu Alike Autonomous Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Eze Francis Eze Igwe, describing his passing as the loss of a custodian of culture and a symbol of communal unity.
Tinubu, in a condolence message he personally signed and issued on Sunday, October 11, extended his sympathies to the late monarch’s son, former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, and the bereaved family.
The President also commiserated with the people of Ndufu Alike, the Ikwo community, the Ebonyi State Traditional Council and the wider traditional institution over the death of the ruler, known by his royal title, Agom Ugabala II.
He said the monarch’s death went beyond the loss of an individual, noting that his contributions as a traditional ruler, politician, educationist and administrator had left an enduring mark on his community.
“The passing of a revered traditional ruler, politician, educationist, and administrator is not merely the loss of an individual; it is the loss of a custodian of culture, a repository of wisdom, and a symbol of unity whose life and service have left an enduring imprint on his people,” the President said.
Tinubu noted that traditional rulers continued to play an important role in preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage, promoting communal harmony and fostering peace and understanding among the people.
According to him, the late monarch occupied a position of honour and responsibility, representing indigenous values and traditions that help sustain community cohesion.
The President acknowledged the personal pain of the loss to the monarch’s family, particularly his son, the former deputy governor, saying the grief associated with losing a father could not easily be assuaged by words.
“The loss of a father is deeply personal, and no words can fully ease the pain of such a departure,” he said, praying that the family would find comfort in the memories of their patriarch, the values he imparted and the legacy he left behind.
Tinubu urged the traditional institution and the people of Ndufu Alike to preserve the late ruler’s legacy by sustaining the values of unity, peace, mutual respect and communal development.
He said the monarch’s life and service offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring significance of service to family and community.
“Life is transient, but a legacy built on service, family, and community endures,” the President said.
On behalf of the Federal Government and the Nigerian people, Tinubu expressed condolences to the Igwe family and all those mourning the monarch, praying that God would grant his soul eternal rest and give the bereaved the strength to bear the loss.