Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Sunday expressed shock at the passing on of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, whom he described him as an exemplar in royalty.
The 93-year-old royal father passed on at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Sunday
Makinde said in a statement issued in Ibadan by Mr Taiwo Adisa, his Chief Press Secretary, that the demise of the royal icon was painful despite his old age.
He added that the wisdom and wealth of experience of the late first class traditional ruler 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.
He said Oba Adetunji gave his all to ensure that Ibadan 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 and all Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad on the demise of our father.
“I extend my condolences to 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,’’ Makinde was quoted as having said.
The Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke, also mourned the passing away of the Olubadan.
Oke described the late traditional ruler as a passionate and visionary leader who lived a well-spent life.
“He had a humble beginning and rose to the pinnacle of his career and became very successful.
“He was a very good man with a large heart and compassion; we pray to God to forgive him; be with his immediate family and the entire Ibadan land. The death of Kabiyesi is indeed a great loss to us all,’’ he said.
The UCH has released the remains of the traditional ruler to his family members and may be buried according to Islamic rite later on Sunday.
In a statement by his media office and signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman on Sunday, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) condoled with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the people of Ibadan.
The former governor of Lagos state said the late monarch was a successful businessman and music promoter who uplifted the careers of many top musicians in Nigeria.
He said, “I received the news of the transition of highly-referred royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adetunji Saliu, Aje Ogungunniso I, with sadness. Kabiyesi passed on at a ripe age of 93, which we are extremely grateful to God for. But this demise has robbed us of his wisdom and wise counseling. He never withheld his deep insights and rich perspectives from those who sought his guidance.
“Particularly coming shortly after the death of another top ranking traditional ruler in Yorubaland and precisely in Oyo State, this passing truly rankles. The late Olubadan was a sage. He was humble, humane, mature, calm and decent, always a symbol of unruffled dignity.
“Before he mounted the throne, Oba Adetunji had made his name as a successful businessman and music and entertainment promoter who contributed a lot to uplift the careers of many top musicians in the land, thus contributing his quota to the growth of our country’s economy.
