A former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala and the Minister of Sports, Mr Sunday Dare, have joined other prominent Nigerians in mourning the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The duo in their separate condolence messages made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan, described the traditional ruler’s death as another unpleasant experience in the state.
Phenomenal reports that the 93-year-old traditional ruler died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in the early hours of Sunday during an illness.
Phenomenal reports that Oba Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, ascended the throne of his forefathers on March 4, 2016.
In his message, Alao-Akala said it was sad that the death of Oba Adetunji came while still mourning the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, who joined his ancestors about 22 days ago.
The former governor said that the sudden departure of another foremost traditional ruler in Yorubaland was another unpleasant experience we have to learn to live with.
“Baba Kabiyesi is a perfect example of a man of courage and resilience who stood by what he believed in, damning all consequences.
“Kabiyesi’s reign was a blessing to Ibadanland and Oyo State in general, and he will be sorely missed,’’ he said.
Alao-Akala prayed God Almighty to grant him al-jannah fridaos and console the Adetunji Family, the good people of Oyo State, as well as Nigeria at large.
Also, Dare in his message, described the late traditional ruler as a peace-loving royal father who would be sorely missed at this time of the national life.
“Before his ascension to the throne, he was a successful businessman.
“The country has lost a wise patriot whose fatherly advice, interventions played huge roles in the peace and stability enjoyed in Oyo State and South-West, till this moment,” he said.
The minister said that the late Oba Adetunji contributed immensely to the development of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Also read;Oyo State’s Speaker expresses shock at Olubadan’s demise
Dare condoled with the immediate family of Oba Adetunji, the people of Ibadan and the Oyo State Government.
Also, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, a former Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State, described Olubadan’s death as painful and devastating.
Abass-Aleshinloye, in a statement, he personally signed, described him as a highly respected traditional ruler who demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects, both within and outside his domain.
He said that Oba Adetunji lived a fulfilled life and would be remembered as a peace-loving oba who served his people selflessly until his glorious exit.
“He was a courageous man who protected the dignity of the Olubadan stool and ensured that the traditional institution of the country was well respected and honoured.
“As mortals, we never want our elderly ones to die, but the Holy Books say that all souls must taste death.
“So, we have to submit to the supreme will of the Almighty from whom we came and unto whom we shall all return.
“He will be sorely missed for his wise counsel and his passion for unity,” the former ALGON chairman said.
He urged children and the entire family of the late oba to be consoled by the fact that the late traditional ruler lived a good life, imparted lives and left legacies of a good name.
Abass-Aleshinloye, therefore, commiserated with the family, Ibadan indigenes, Oyo State Council of Obas and Oyo State Government on the passage of Oba Adetunji.
He prayed that God would repose the soul of the departed traditional ruler and comfort the family as well as the people of Ibadanland.
