Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has publicly mourned the passing of Queen Goni Soba Sulu-Gambari, calling her death a profound loss to the Ilorin emirate and its royal institution. Saraki shared his condolence message on his Facebook page on Thursday, August 13, 2026, addressing his sympathies to the incumbent Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Prince Modibbo Sulu-Gambari, and the broader Sulu-Gambari royal family.
Saraki's Tribute to the Late Queen
The former Kwara state governor described the late queen as a figure of historical significance within the royal family and the wider traditional institution of Ilorin. "Her Highness occupied an important place in the history of our royal family and traditional institution, and her passing is a profound loss to us all," Saraki wrote.
He offered Islamic prayers for the deceased, asking for Allah's forgiveness and mercy, and requesting that she be granted Al Jannatul Firdaus, with her grave made a place of peace and light.
Prayers for Emir and Royal Family
Beyond his tribute to the late queen, Saraki also prayed for those she left behind, asking that the Emir and members of the royal household find the strength to cope with their grief. "May Allah (SWT) grant His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, the entire Sulu-Gambari Royal Family and all of us in the Ilorin emirate the strength and fortitude to bear this loss," he added, closing the message with "Ameen."
The Ilorin emirate, one of the most prominent traditional institutions in Kwara state, has long held cultural and political significance in the North Central region of Nigeria. The passing of a member of its royal household marks a moment of mourning for the emirate's people and leadership. Queen Goni Soba Sulu-Gambari was the wife of the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Shehu Sulqornain bn Muhammad Laufe Dan Bawa, according to reports.
Saraki's tribute underscores the queen's role in the emirate's history, and his prayers reflect the community's collective grief. The royal family and the people of Ilorin are now left to mourn a figure who held an important place in the emirate's royal institution.
