Leaderships of the Coalition of Traders, Artisans, Market Men and Women in Oyo State, religious leaders, politicians, traditionalists, communities leaders, government functionaries, personalities, family and friends on Tuesday gathered at the palace of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji at Popoyemoja, Ibadan to offer a special prayer for the soul of the departed monarch.
Alhaji (Chief) Sunmaila Aderemi Jimoh, Babaloja-General of Oyo State led other members of the Coalition of Traders, Artisans, Market Men and Women, including Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, Iyaloja-General of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Odunayo Kayode Danjuma, Southwest Coordinator of National Association of Nigeria Traders, Alhaji Dauda Oladepo, President of Ibadan Joint Traders, Mogaji Kamarudeen Salawudeen, President Progressive Trade Men and Artisans to attend the 3rd day Fidau prayers organised for the late Olubadan.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the prayers, Alhaji Jimoh said nothing should be too much for the people of Oyo State, especially in Ibadanland to put aside for the celebration of a well-lived life of the late monarch.
He said, “Oba Adetunji was a great father to us all, a royal father who cherished peace, togetherness and fought tirelessly to protect Ibadan traditional heritage and history. Nothing should be too much for us to part with or set aside to give his departed soul deserving honours.
“We, the Traders, Artisans, Market Men and Women in Oyo State express our sympathy to the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, Olubadan-in-council, Mogajis, all indigenes of Ibadanland and the good people of Oyo State over the sudden death of Oba Adetunji, may the good Lord grant his soul rest.
“We pray God stop persistent death of elders and leaders in Yorubaland and Oyo state in particular. We appreciate the support of Governor Seyi Makinde to the late monarch during his reign and even after his exit.
“Likewise those who stood solidly behind the family of late Oba Adetunji to give befitting burial to the body of the departed royal father, in particular, leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Apostle (Rtrd Colonel) Sola Akinyemiju and Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, the Chief Imam of Ibadan land, Sheik Abdulganiyu Abubakar, Professor Kamil Oloso, former Governor of Oyo State and Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, State Deputy Chief of Staff, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; members of Oyo State Executive Council, Olubadan-in-Council, Members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mogajis, we say thank you to everyone, the protection of God will be upon us all,” Alhaji Jimoh prayed.
