By: Moses Owopade, Accra
Nigerians, especially the Yoruba Community in Ghana was thrown into wailing and sober mood when the sudden demise of Alhaja Chief Risikatu Vanderpure was announced by the family.
The sad incident happened in an aircraft that was bringing her and members of her immediate family from Abuja to Ghana.
Thegazellenews.com scooped that the event pained the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
It would be recalled that the Ooni was the one who conferred the title of Iyalode of Yoruba in Ghana on her at a world class chieftaincy programme that saw over 30 distinguished Yoruba in Ghana being honoured.
Since that event, Ooni has been close to the woman because of her strong disposition to the Oduduwa kingdom.
Narrating the way the issue happened, a top Yoruba figure and chief in Ghana, Alhaji Surakat Lawal said the plane was only 10 minutes from landing when the woman mysteriously passed on.
“There was no knowledge of any form of ailment. She suddenly developed heart problem and was unable to survive,” our correspondent gathered.
Alhaji Lawal said this will be a big blow to the Yoruba particularly those in living in Ghana. He confirmed that the body has been laid to rest according to Islamic rite.
The Ag President of the Nigerian community in Ghana, Chief Bayo Albert Asaolu who was not in the country sent a delegation led by the ANC General Secretary, Chief Bolanle Akintola to represent him. He told the family members that Alhaja Risi was not a mere personality.
Recently, the woman organised a national event where the Chief Imam of the Republic Of Ghana, His Eminence Alhaji Sharubutu was the Chief host.
Asaolu said the woman had used her influence to touch many people. He however, charged those who are still alive to use their position, wealth and influence to positively affect others.
He concluded by conveying the sympathy of all Nigerians in Ghana to the family. “I Pray that the almighty God will give the immediate family and all of us to bear the loss,” he prayed.
