The family of former Governor of Oyo State, the late Abiola Ajimobi, has described as a principled and morally upright deceased Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The monarch, ho joined his ancestors on January 2 at the age of 93, had a testy relationship ith Ajimobi ho bulkanised the Ibadan monarchy heritage into some 11 units.
The policy sparked a political and legal battle that lingered on to the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.
But in a tribute on Sunday, the Ajimobi joined others to extol Oba Saliu’s virtues.
In a statement signed by Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, the family described the 93-year-old traditional ruler as a principled and morally upright oba, whose fatherly advice would be missed.
“Just within the spate of one month, Oyo State lost three highly revered Obas to the cold hands of death.
“This is really shocking and unbelievable.
“First, it was the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, followed by the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Adeoye and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“We have lost another highly successful businessman and good father to us all.
“My heartfelt sympathies to the Oyo State Council of Obas and particularly, to the
Olubadan-in-Council for this great loss,’’ Abiola-Ajimobi said on behalf of the family.
He commiserated with the good people of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general, on the sad incident in the New Year.
Abiola-Ajimobi prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Olubadan and for Allah to grant him Al-Jannah Firdaos.
Also, a member of the House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe (APC-Oluyole), the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, as shocking and unbelievable.
Akande-Sadipe, in a statement signed by her Media Aide, Olamilekan Olusada, described the late Oba Adetunji as a brave and courageous leader.
Akande-Sadipe, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Matters, said the late oba was a successful businessman and a first-class traditional ruler.
She said that the late oba led his people with utmost diligence and unassuming dedication.
The lawmaker commending the late traditional ruler for his strong adherence for peace, progress and development.
Akande-Sadipe said that the late traditional ruler would long be remembered in the annals of Ibadan and Oyo State for being an exemplar in virtually all facets of life.
“The late oba was a creditable leader, whose reign as Olubadan, united his people, and witnessed massive development in the state.
“Kabiyesi lived a very value- added and meaningful life ascending the throne in 2016.
“On behalf of my constituency, I extend my condolences to the good people of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the immediate family members of the late Oba Adetunji,’’ she said.
The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Matters, prayed that God would repose the soul of the departed traditional ruler and comfort the family, as well as the good people of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 93-year-old traditional ruler died at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, in the early hours of Sunday during an illness.
