**Date:** September 4, 2023
*Paris, France*:
Prominent traditional rulers from the Niger Delta region paid a condolence visit to the Nigerian embassy in Paris to express their condolences over the death of Ambassador Dr. Kayode Laro. The monarchs were in France on vacation when they learned of the ambassador’s passing and deemed it necessary to visit the embassy.
King Zacchaeus Egbunu, the Agadagba of Arogbo, spoke on behalf of the visiting monarchs, stating that it was only appropriate to visit the embassy and offer their condolences. The traditional rulers included the Pere of Gbaraun, His Royal Majesty Egbesuwei Gbanraun X; the Agadagba Of Ancient Gbanraun Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State; the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba; the Pere of Olodiama Kingdom in Edo State, His Royal Majesty King Godwin Ogoyinbo, Alagbabunafa 111; and the Pere of Tobutoru kingdom of Ondo state, the Mighty Diamond.
Ambassador Dr. Kayode Laro passed away on August 12, 2023. The visiting monarchs remarked on his youthful appearance in photographs and acknowledged that death is both unpredictable and inevitable. They expressed their condolences to the embassy staff and noted that they were in Paris to rest after their work in Nigeria.
King Zacchaeus Egbunu stated, “We are here on a vacation actually, after the tedious work in Nigeria. We felt that we should come and rest a while. And while being here, we thought it expedient and sacrosanct to visit the embassy in view of the fact that we heard of the death of late Dr. Laro.”
He further stated, “When I look at that picture, he looks quite young. But nobody can predict when death comes and even when it comes what we’ll just do is to give God the glory because he giveth life. My only prayer is that he should find a place in the bosom of God, his creator. And one day surely we’ll meet. So that is the purpose of our visit. We commiserate with you, we pray that God will give the entire Nigerian embassy in France the spirit to bear this incredible loss.”
Tunde Mustapha, the officer in charge of affairs of the Nigerian Embassy in Paris, expressed his gratitude to the visiting royal fathers for their condolences. He acknowledged Ambassador Laro’s active role in serving the Nigerian community in France, his efforts to facilitate trade and investment between Nigeria and France, and his recognition by the Nigerian government. Mustapha also shared the sentiment that death is a part of life and offered prayers for all to enjoy life and happiness on Earth before meeting their Lord in heaven.
