rince Mehe, Chief of Staff, CoS to Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, Prince AbdulKadir Mahe, tragically passed away on Saturday, as reported by the State government.
His untimely death marks the second loss of a Chief of Staff serving under the state governor in the last four years, evoking a wave of sympathy for Governor Abdulrazaq.
The first Chief of Staff, Chief Adisa Logun, passed away in 2020 due to complications from COVID-19, joining the ranks of prominent Nigerians who succumbed to the pandemic, including President Mohammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari, former governor of Oyo State Isiaka Ajimobi, among others.
Prince Mehe, who was also a Prince of the Ilorin Emirate and a close relative of Ilorin’s principal monarch, HRM Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, left a profound impact on the state and beyond.
The outpouring of condolences to Governor Abdulrazaq, the Emirate, and Kwara speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he commanded.
His funeral took place on Saturday evening, drawing thousands of mourners to his Ilorin residence.
The attendees included Governors Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Ahmed Usman Ododo (Kogi), senior government officials, bureaucrats, clerics, community leaders, and family members.
Notable figures present at the burial were the Speaker of the House of Assembly Rt Hon Yakubu Salihu Danladi, Grand Kadi Kwara State Shari’a Court of Appeal Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, House of Representatives member Ahmed Yinka Aluko, among others.
Governor Abdulrazaq praised the late Chief of Staff as a pillar of support for the administration, emphasizing the significant void his passing has created.
Governor Ododo described Prince Mahe as a peace-loving individual, highlighting the enduring impact he had on his family and the state.
Prince Mahe, a septuagenarian, was appointed as Chief of Staff on November 3rd, 2023, following his role as the Secretary to the State Government. His distinguished career included serving as a retired Permanent Secretary and Clerk of the Kwara State House of Assembly.