By Adesina Soyooye
The Illorin Emirate and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Illorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, have expressed sadness over the passing on Wednesday, of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed, rtd, an accomplished son of Kwara State.
General Mohammed, former Chief of Staff to both President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, former National Security Adviser to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, passed in the morning of Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
In a statement, the Illorin Emirate mourned:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of General Muhammad Abdullahi Atoto, a revered and esteemed officer of the Ilorin Emirate. His demise is a significant loss to the Emirate and the entire Military community at large.
“May the Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace in Janatul Firdaus. May his soul rest in Janatul Firdaus, Aamin.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family and loved ones of General Atoto during this difficult time.”
And in a statement signed on his behalf by the Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Illorin, Vice Chancellor Egbewole mourned General Mohammed’s passing.
He said that the University Community received the news of the death of the statesman with profound sadness, considering his roles in the take-off of the University and his several contributions to national development.
The Vice Chancellor, who described the late General as an illustrious son of Nigeria, recalled that the nucleus of the University began in a building belonging to the late General at G.R.A, Ilorin, where its pioneer Vice Chancellor lived.
He added that the same building was also used as the interim operational office of the University, pointing out that the leasing of the building to the University at that point-in-time by the late General rescued the University, which was desperately in need of a roomy dual-purpose accomodation for its take-off.
Prof. Egbewole also recalled the administrative support the deceased gave the University, particularly in the early 2000s, saying that as the Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Mohammed was quite supportive of the efforts of the administration of Prof. Shuaibu Oba AbdulRaheem in ensuring uninterrupted academic activities.
The Vice Chancellor said that the late General played a great role in ensuring that the University remained open to teaching, learning, research and community service despite the machinations by certain external influences.
Prof. Egbewole expressed regret that General Mohammed died at a time the University was preparing for its Golden Jubilee, saying that the University and the nation would miss him sorely.
The Vice Chancellor commiserated with the Governor of Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, and the Alfanla Adangba family of Ilorin over the loss of this elderstatesman.
He prayed to Allah to overlook his shortcomings and reward his good deeds with Aljanat Fridaous.
The late General will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites in Abuja today (Wednesday)
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