88-year-old mother of ex-Senate President Saraki is dead
By KEMI KASUMU
Madam Florence Morenike Saraki, mother of former Senate President Bukola Saraki, is dead.
She reportedly died in Lagos night of Tuesday June 18, 2024 at the age of 88.
The DEFENDER gathered that the late octogenarian went into a coma before she was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Lagos State over age related disease.
Several members of the Saraki dynasty, who preferred not to be named, confirmed the development to the press in Ilọrin, Kwara State capital, Tuesday night.
According to one of the sources, “The incident happened this evening when Mama went into a coma and was rushed to the hospital in Lagos state. She was later placed at an intensive care unit (ICU) before she died.
“Saraki was informed about it in Ilọrin and he left about two hours ago with his wife following the incident”, the source added.
The late Florence was the widow of Olusola Saraki, who was a Senator in the Second Republic and caller of shots in Kwara State politics until his demise in 2012.
Apart from Bukola Saraki, the late matriarch of the Saraki family who celebrated her 87th birthday in 2022, was survived by the former Minister of State for Transport, Gbemisola Saraki, Tope Saraki-Edu and Laolu.
Meanwhile, the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Ajikobi Central, where Saraki hails from, has mourned her passing.
In a statement by the chairman of the ward, Comrade Abubakar Yusuf Garba, the party said, “We share in the grief and sorrow that comes with the loss of a matriarch, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light. Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki was an exemplary woman, a devoted wife, and a dedicated mother who left an indelible mark on the lives of everyone she touched.
“Her unwavering support and dedication to her family, particularly her husband, the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, and her children, are a testament to her selflessness and devotion.”
