Olusola Saraki, the strongman of Kwara politics, died on Wednesday at 79. His political allies, friends, family and foes had nice words for him.

Presdent Goodluck Jonathan

Olusola Saraki lived a very successful and fulfilled life, rising to national prominence by dint of hard work, uncommon generosity, political sagacity, dedication and wholesome commitment to the service of his people and the entire nation.

Late Saraki will be long remembered and eulogized as a consummate politician, an astute grassroots mobiliser, and a political colossus with awe-inspiring powers of political organisation.

People's Democratic Party – Olisa Metuh

Nigeria has lost a political guru and a Titan who compared in every respect with the generation of the independent Nigerian leaders.

"Here was a fine medical doctor, philanthropist, humanist and an astute politician. Here, most importantly was a game changer, a man who changed the destiny of his people. Like the great Zik of Africa, like Ahmadu Bello and like Awo, he was."

Atiku Abubakar

Olusola Saraki like the fall of a big star from the galaxy of Nigerian politics.

His uncommon compassion was the source of his political relevance and influence among his people. One of the greatest virtues of the late Ciroma of Ilorin was that he lived for the people and they loved him in return.

Bukola Saraki

We take solace in knowing that our father lived an exemplary life of service, and selfless devotion to development of his people and nation.

Baba will be sorely missed.

The Northern States Governors Forum

The fact that Dr Saraki passed on at a time of increasing intolerance in the country makes his death more painful, considering his lead role in ensuring peace and unity in Kwara State, the North and Nigeria as a whole.

Bola Tinubu

We've lost a man (Saraki) of immense political strategy, at a time Nigeria needs to promote further democratization.

Nuhu Ribadu

Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. May Allah grant Olusola Saraki eternal peace.

Olusegun Mimiko

We are going to miss this great political avatar of our time who was a stabilizing force while he was the senate leader of the National Assembly of the second republic.

Dele Momudu

My sincere condolence to d Saraki family of Ilorin on d transition of their patriarch, Oloye Olusola Saraki.

Femi Fani-Kayode

Tell it not in Gath, how are the mighty fallen and the weapons of war perished". May Olusola Saraki's soul rest in perfect peace.

Senate leader Ndoma Egba

Saraki was an enigma to so many people and it is a testament to the way he practised his politics such that he was able to endear himself to his kinsmen. His political sagacity produced governor after governor in Kwara State.

He built, nurtured and sustained an enviable political dynasty which saw his first son, Bukola, become not only a two-term governor of Kwara State, but who is now a senator. Under his tutelage, daughter, Gbemisola, was also a parliamentarian who started from the House of Representatives and also became a two-term senator. He was a man of the people.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike

Saraki lived for the people, politicked for the people, and was totally and consistently committed to the people.

Orji Uzor Kalu

His humility is legendary, his giving without limit.

I know of so many people whose lives he has touched and wonder if there will be anyone capable of fitting into the very large shoes he has left behind."

How would you remember Late Saraki? Leave your comments in the box below.