CONDOLENCE messages continued to pour in yesterday on the demise of the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Umaru Sanda Ndayako, with President Olusegun Obasanjo describing the deceased monarch as a prominent patriot who believed strongly in national unity.

The monarch, who was the chairman of the Technical Committee on the Review of the Structure of Local Government Councils in Nigeria, died on Monday and was buried same day in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

In a condolence letter to the late Etsu Nupe's family, the President remarked that the late monarch's life was full of dedication to worthy causes.

The letter read in part: "It was quite fitting therefore that his invaluable contribution to building a better society was well acknowledged via the conferment on him of the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) in 1982. And recently before his death, he was appointed Chairman of the Technical Committee on the Review of the Structure of Local Government Councils in Nigeria."

Obasanjo added: "It is always difficult to contemplate the final parting of a dearly beloved person and the entire family must have been thrown into deep grief at the untimely loss of the Etsu Nupe, whose fatherly advice will be surely missed. In morning his demise, however, we should also thank the Almighty for granting him a fulfilled and active life of dedicated service to his people."

The president prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Also, yesterday, Senate President Adolphus Wabara expressed shock over the death of the monarch.

In a condolence message, Wabara said Ndayako's death had robbed the nation of one of the its best and brightest traditional rulers.

While describing the late traditional ruler as a seasoned administrator, the senator said Ndayako's death came at a time his services and wise counsel were most needed.

"Niger State in particular and the nation in general will miss the Etsu Nupe," the Senate President added.

He enjoined the government and people of Niger State as well as members of the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Meanwhile, the panel on the review of council structure has postponed its public sitting earlier scheduled to hold in Abuja to Tuesday September 9 2003.

According to a statement by its Secretary, I.B. Sali, the postponement is as a result of the Etsu Nupe's death.

The statement said a new date would be announced later.

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