The Ebira Kingdom and the entire Kogi State traditional council have been thrown into mourning following the transition of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Dr. Abdul Rahman Ado Ibrahim (CON). He was 94 years old.
The influential paramount ruler passed away peacefully at an undisclosed hospital in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday, October 29, following a brief battle with an age-related illness.
Royal sources confirmed that the monarch will be laid to rest later today in Okene, Kogi State, in strict compliance with Islamic burial rites.
A life of corporate excellence before the throne
Before answering the call of his ancestors to ascend the throne of his fathers, Prince Ado Ibrahim was a highly successful international businessman and corporate titan. Highly educated and widely travelled, he earned his degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and an MBA from Harvard Business School in the 1950s—a rare feat at the time.
His deep understanding of commerce and industrialisation allowed him to build a sprawling business empire, carving out a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most visionary and prosperous corporate leaders before transitioning into traditional governance.
An era of modernisation
Born on February 7, 1929, Dr Ado Ibrahim ascended the coveted throne of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland in 1997. His ascension followed the transition of his predecessor, the late Ohinoyi Sanni Omolori of the Oziada clan, who had ruled for over four decades.
Upon taking the mantle of leadership, Dr Ado Ibrahim brought his vast corporate experience and global exposure to bear on the ancient kingdom. His 26-year reign was marked by significant modernisation, a strong advocacy for Western and Islamic education, and a tireless commitment to maintaining peace and attracting infrastructural development to Ebiraland.
He was also famous for constructing the magnificent Azad Palace in Okene, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and architecturally significant royal palaces in Sub-Saharan Africa.
As a recipient of the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), his death marks the end of an illustrious era. Prominent leaders, politicians, and subjects from across Nigeria have already begun paying tributes to the late monarch, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the nation’s traditional institution.
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