The world received the news of the death of the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, with shock on the evening of Thursday, September 8, 2022. The United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch died at 96 after 70 years on the throne.
Joining in the outpouring of grief all over the world, some prominent Nigerians have also paid tributes to the late monarch.
Media entrepreneur and socialite, Dele Momodu, described the late queen as the greatest personality he had ever met. He wrote, “I was often asked who the greatest personality I ever met was, and my unequivocal response was always, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“On July 29, 1995, I landed at the London Gatwick Airport from Accra, Ghana. For me, it was the beginning of an unplanned and unanticipated sojourn in the land of unpredictable weather for the next three years.
“I will forever treasure the unbelievable support and the unimaginable protection we enjoyed as refugees and asylum seekers under Her Majesty’s government.”
On his part, the Senior Pastor of the Kingsway International Christian Centre, Matthew Ashimolowo, wrote on Twitter, “The sun did set over the British Empire. Queen Elizabeth II was the mother of the Commonwealth nations. Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor, rest in the bosom of your saviour. Death is viewed differently by many. For the atheist, it is an end; the agnostic sees it as an enigma; while for Christians, it is an entrance, which her Majesty has entered.”
A former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, wrote, “The longest-serving British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II’s reign on the throne of her forebears will always be remembered for the remarkable achievements of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations.
“Today, we join the world to mourn the passing of this renowned monarch, the matriarch of a great nation, distinguished stateswoman, and an embodiment of royal grace.
“My family and I send our deepest condolences to King Charles III and the entire royal family. She will be greatly missed.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, also expressed sadness over the monarch’s death, describing it as an irreplaceable loss. He wrote on Twitter, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. My thoughts and prayers are with the royal family, the entire United Kingdom and Commonwealth nations, over this irreplaceable loss.
“Her reign was impactful and explored life devoted to democratic ideals, charity, selflessness and empathy. She will always be remembered by the lives, organisations, institutions and countries she positively touched during her reign.”
The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Bola Tinubu, also wrote on Twitter, “With the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom has lost one of its greatest ever monarchs, and the world has lost a much cherished, revered and admired icon.
“Her energy, dedication, deep sense of duty and firm belief in the glory of the United Kingdom, particularly in the most troubling and troubled times of her long and distinguished reign, are the lasting legacies for which she shall always be remembered.”
Similarly, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, wrote on Twitter, “Her passing is the end of a golden era. Her reign was epochal; not just in the United Kingdom, but the entire commonwealth.”
