Olusola Saraki, the strongman of Kwara politics, is dead. He was 79.

Mr. Saraki, Leader  of the Nigerian Senate during the second republic, died Wednesday morning in Lagos.

His son, Bukola Saraki, who announced the death said the family “take solace in knowing that our father lived an exemplary life of service, and selfless devotion to development of his people and nation.”

The body of the late politician has been moved to Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state where he reigned as a political godfather for several years.

Mr. Saraki controlled the politics of Kwara State for about two decades until he was displaced as kingmaker by his son, Bukola, a serving senator, in the 2011 general elections.

The deceased will be buried Wednesday at 4.00 pm local time, family members said. The state government which pundits describe as ‘Saraki’s empire’ has declared three days of mourning.

“Baba will be sorely missed,” Bukola, former governor of Kwara state, now a senator said.