Ooni of Ife shocked by death of Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has expressed shock at the death of Chief of Staff to the president of Nigeria, Mr Abba Kyari.

In a statement issued through his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Ooni described Kyari's death as an unfortunate surprise.

The statement also revealed that the Ooni has reached out to the family of the late Chief of Staff.

It reads in part: "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 in which he prayed for the gentle soul of the deceased and the fortitude for the family to bear the irreparable loss". Olafare said.

The Ooni also urged Nigerians to take COVID-19 seriously by adhering to guidelines given by authorities to help curb the spread.