"This passage represents a monumental loss to not just the Ilorin Emirate but to the entire state and the nation. Alhaji Umaru Saro was a phenomenon of his time, a business mogul, known nationally and internationally for his entrepreneurship, industry, generosity and commitment to communal growth, peace and harmony. His love for Islamic scholarship and propagation is widely acknowledged as he invested so much resources therein. Alhaji Umaru Saro was a leading light of the nation's business community in which he is held in high esteem. Most significantly, he was an inspiration and pillar of support for our Administration from inception. His death is indeed the end of an era," the Governor said in a statement on Sunday night.

"On behalf of my family, the people and government of Kwara State, I commiserate with the Emir of Ilorin Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), his immediate and extended family, and of course the entire Muslim community on the passing of the Sardauna of Ilorin. He served God and humanity and was always proud to identify with the people, poor or rich. We are consoled by his many virtues, particularly his philanthropy and immense love for our people and the community. We pray Allah (Exalted is He) to grant Alhaji Umaru Saro forgiveness and reward him with al-jannnah Firdaus. May Allah, exalted is He, comfort the family that the Sardauna has left behind."