The year 2015 has come and is almost gone. It is that time of the year when many like to reflect on the things that transpired during the year.
In that light, we bring you the names of the five prominent traditional rulers who passed on to the great beyond during the course of the year.
- Ooni of Ife – Osun State
Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II
The Ooni died in a London hospital on July 28 at the age of 85. He first ascended the throne in 1980, and went on to rule for 35 years. He was buried on August 14.
According to the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, “late Ooni represented the Yoruba nation and has done a lot in uplifting the traditional institution in the state”.
He has since been replaced by Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II
- Olu of Warri – Delta State
Godwin Toritseju Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse II
He was believed to have died on September 5 in a private hospital in Lagos, but his death was not officially announced until September 26.
He has since been replaced by Godfrey Abiloye Ikenwoli Emiko, Ogiame Ikenwoli I.
- Emir of Borgu – Niger State
Senator Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro III
He died on October 30, at the age of 77 in Germany after a brief illness. He ascended the throne in February 2000. He has since been replaced by Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV.
- Tor Tiv – Benue State
Alfred Akawe Torkula
He died on November 23, in a private hospital in Gboko, Benue State. He was aged 71. He ruled for 24 years, having ascended the throne in April 1991.
At the time of his death, Dr Torkula was the Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University in Abia State.
- Emir of Gusau – Zamfara State
Alhaji Muhammad Kabir DanBaba
He died on March 5 at the Nigeria Turkish Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja, aged 91. Having ruled for 30 years, the Emir finally succumbed to death after a protracted illness. He has since been replaced by Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, who became the 15th Emir of Gusau.