The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and Bishop Wale Oke have extolled the virtues of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who joined his ancestors at age 93 on Sunday.
Ogunwusi, in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, on Sunday in Ile-Ife, described the late Oba Saliu as a great traditional ruler.
The Ooni said that the reign of the late Olubadan would forever be remembered for the tremendous development he brought to Ibadanland, in particular and Nigeria at large.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan did not let the features of old age hold him back during his lifetime as he was active to projects, programmes, plans and other activities tofward making life better for his subjects.
“That is why his return home would be missed greatly by all.
“Though it is a tough way to start the year, we must submit to the will of the Almighty Olodumare for the life of Oba Adetunji, which was well spent serving humanity.
“Our thoughts and prayers in the House of Oduduwa are with natives as well as residents of THEM, ancient city of Ibadan and the entire Oduduwa race globally at this material time.” the traditional ruler said.
The Ooni had earlier in December described the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu, who recently joined their ancestors as traditional rulers who added values to the larger House of Oduduwa.
He said that the trio of Soun, Olowu and Olubadan led administrations of growth and all round development in their respective domains during their reigns.
Ogunwusi, who is the Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), added that history would forever be kind to them across the Oduduwa race.
In a related development, Oke, who is also the President, The Sword of the Spirit Ministries, described Oba Adetunji, as a peace loving the traditional ruler, whose reign would always be remembered for good.
Oke, while commiserating with the people of the ancient city of Ibadanland, Oyo State Government and the nation as a whole, said that the traditional ruler would be greatly missed for his quality contributions to humanity.
“Late Oba Adetunji was a great monarch who loved his people and worked relentlessly for the upliftment of his community, the state and the nation as a whole. His demise, no doubt,is a great loss to all,” he said.
The cleric, who is also the National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), said that the era of the late oba ushered in progress, stability and peace to Ibadanland, its environs, the state and the country.
He said that the legacy of the good works of the late Oba Adetunji must not be allowed to die in whatever form, adding that his legacies and good memories must be kept alive for the generations to come.
Oke prayed that God should continue to uphold the family, the ancient town, Oyo State and the country in general.
The Bishop prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss of the traditional ruler to the cold hands of death.(NAN)(nannews.ng.com)
EDA/TAA/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye
