The body of the deceased Nigerian Ambassador to France, Ambassador Kayode Laro, reached Ilorin in the early hours of this morning and was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions at his family residence.
The Nigerian Airforce plane transporting the body of the highly regarded diplomat touched down at Ilorin International Airport at 8:30 am on Wednesday.
Upon arrival at the Ilorin General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, the body, placed within a casket and covered by the Nigerian flag, was received by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who was present alongside his grieving wife, dignitaries and other family members to welcome the diplomat’s remains.
In a swift procession, the body was transported in a lengthy motorcade to the family residence located in the Okesuna district of the town for burial, where Ambassador Laro’s body was subsequently interred following Islamic traditions.
The funeral prayer was officiated by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammed Bashiru Salihu.
The interment of the esteemed ambassador took place precisely at
9:50am.
In his message of condolences, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had previously expressed his shock and deep sorrow at the passing of Ambassador Laro. He offered heartfelt prayers to Allah, seeking forgiveness for the departed soul and beseeching that he be granted a place in al-jannah Firdaus.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially announced the passing of the diplomat, a native of Ilorin in Kwara State, on Saturday.
As conveyed in the statement issued by its spokesperson, Mrs. Francisca Omayuli, announced:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply saddened to announce the death of Ambassador Kayode Laro on Friday, 11th August, 2023, in Paris, France, after a protracted illness.
“Until his death, Ambassador Kayode Laro was Nigeria’s Ambassador to France with concurrent accreditation to Monaco. He contributed immensely to strengthening Nigeria’s relations with France.”
The Late Ambassador Laro was a career diplomat whose years in the Nigerian Foreign Service spanned 35 years, from December 1983 – December 2018.