Ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, loses mother aged 88
Mother of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Madam Florence Morenike Saraki, has died at the age of 88.
Saraki confirmed his mother’s death in a statement shared on his social media handles.
The statement read, “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
“Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.”
It was gathered that the late Octogenarian went into a coma before she was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State over age related ailment.
Several members of the Saraki dynasty who preferred not to be named confirmed the development to newsmen in Ilọrin last night.
According to one of the sources, “The incident happened this evening when Mama went into a coma and was rushed to the hospital in Lagos State. She was later placed at an intensive care unit (ICU) before she died.
“Saraki was informed about it in Ilọrin and he left about two hours ago with his wife following the incident,” the source added.
The deceased was the widow of Olusola Saraki, who was a Senator in the Second Nigerian Republic and political godfather in Kwara until his death in 2012.
Meanwhile, the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Ajikobi central, where Saraki hails from, has mourned her passing.
In a statement by the chairman of the ward, Comrade Abubakar Yusuf Garba, the party said, “We share in the grief and sorrow that comes with the loss of a matriarch, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light.
“Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki was an exemplary woman, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.
“Her unwavering support and dedication to her family, particularly her husband, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and her children, are a testament to her selflessness and devotion.”
Apart from Bukola Saraki, the late matriarch of the Saraki family was survived by the former minister of state for transport, Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki, Tope Saraki-Edu and Laolu.