Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, expressed shock at the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, describing him as an exemplar in royalty.
Makinde stated that the demise of the royal icon, who he described as a great leader of his people and an exemplary royal father, was painful despite his old age, adding that his wisdom and wealth of experience would be sorely missed.
The governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council and all Ibadan indigenes as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that Kabiyesi gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
“The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.
“Kabiyesi’s exit at this time is painful, to say the least. His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.
“Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and all Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad on the demise of our father.
“I equally extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council and pray to God to keep all our Obas safe and give them more years to direct the affairs of our people, especially as Olubadan’s death is coming on the heels of the demise of the Soun of Ogbomosoland and Asigangan of Igangan. May God grant them all eternal rest.”
In a related development, the Oyo State Speaker, Hon. Ogundoyin has expressed condolence over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso the first.
The Olubadan reportedly joined his ancestors at the early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan.
The Speaker in a Condolence message described the passage of the Monarch at the age of 93 as shocking and unbelievable.
“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, Ajagungbade the third, second was the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoyo and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
“I’ll like to commiserate with the good people of Ibadanland, and Oyo State in general on this sad incident in the new year. We have lost another highly successful businessman and a good father to us all. Our Government has lost another very good friend and adviser. My heartfelt sympathies to the Oyo State traditional Council of Obas and particularly to the Olubadan in Council for this great loss “
Hon. Ogundoyin stated that late Oba Saliu Adetunji was a principled and morally upright traditional ruler whose fatherly advice will be missed.
According to the Speaker, the reign of the late Olubadan had been relatively peaceful.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the Olubadan and for Allah to grant him the best abode in Al-Jannah Firdaous.
Recall that the late Oba Adetunji ascended the throne as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 4, 2016.
