Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Sunday described the death of the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle Ajinese 1, as shocking and painful.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Sunday in Ibadan.
Makinde said that the demise of Oba Adekunle was a huge loss to the state.
According to him, the late traditional ruler was an exemplary leader and a true believer in the progress and development of the state.
He, also described the late Aseyin as a great royal achiever, who went about the business of developing Iseyin with the positive aggression of a change agent and would stop at nothing to achieve his vision.
The governor commiserated with the Aseyin-in-Council and the entire Iseyin Community, as well as the traditional council in the state.
“I have been informed of the passage of the Aseyin of Iseyinland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle.
“His death is another great loss among the ranks of leading traditional rulers in our dear state.
“This death is painful and shocking, but we can only submit to the will of the Almighty God, who alone has the power over life and death.
“Again, Oyo State has lost an exemplary royal father and a true believer in the progress and development of Oyo State.
“I express heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Aseyin of Iseyinland, the Aseyin-in-Council and the sons and daughters of Iseyin land.
“I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and pray to God to spare the lives of all its members.” the governor said.
The ancient town of Iseyin in Oyo State was on Sunday thrown into mourningd following the transition of its traditional ruler, Oba Abdulganiyu Salawudeen.
The Aseyin’s death is coming months after the passage of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Soun of Ogbomoso; Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan; Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Asigangan of Igangan.
A family source told newsmen that the 28th Aseyin died on Sunday morning at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, where he had been for months.
Salawudeen, aged 62, was a University of Ibadan trained Veterinary Doctor and ascended the throne in 2006.
Though, the palace had yet to officially break the news of the traditional ruler’s passage, the UCH Public Relations Officer, Mr Toye Akinrinlola, confirmed the news.
Akinrinlola, when pressed further, told NAN that the oba had been on admission at the hospital before his demise.
While his remains were being packaged for onward journey to his town, a less than one hour journey from the state capital, traditionalists have begun the passage rites around the ancient town.
Salaudeen was born into the family of the late Pa Salau Atanda Oloogunebi of Iseyin and attended Ansarudeen Primary School, Ebedi, Iseyin.
He later proceeded to the Muslim Secondary High School, Ore-Moje in Iseyin, for modern school education.
