The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday, has urged Nigerians to see coronavirus as a huge threat.
The monarch said this while reacting to the death of Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to the president, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
WuzupNigeria reports that Kyari died after battling with the COVID-19 virus for over 20 days.
Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, described late Kyari as a gentleman and respecter of the traditional institution.
The statement said Kyari handled his position as a public servant with dignity and dedication arising from his fervent belief in and his incorruptible patriotism to the Nigerian project.
“The House of Oduduwa under the leadership of the Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife has received news of the death of Alhaji Abba Kyari with a rude shock and he sees it as a very unfortunate surprise.
“Late Abba Kyari was a detribalized Nigerian and coolheaded fine gentleman who had treated traditional institutions with love and respect and who had until his death undoubtedly dignified public service as Chief of Staff with dignity and dedication motivated by his fervent belief in and incorruptible patriotism to the Nigerian project.
“Kabiyesi Ooni immediately after the news was confirmed, made a phone communication to the wife and children of the late Chief of Staff and prayed for the gentle soul of the deceased and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
The royal father urged Nigerians to see coronavirus as a threat and take the ongoing fight against the global pandemic more seriously.
According to him, the virus is a ruthless enemy of humanity that must be collectively defeated.
Oba Ogunwusi also prayed for the souls of those already killed by COVID-19 around the world and charged Nigerians to respect rules and regulations already set by the government as measures to combat the pandemic.
