By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji have mourned the death of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, the elder brother of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
In separate condolence messages on Monday, they described the late prince’s passing as a painful loss not only to the Ogunwusi family and the people of Ile-Ife but also to Osun State, the Yoruba race and the nation at large.
Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi’s death was announced by the Ooni’s Palace through its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Sodiq Lawal. A member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife, the deceased was until his death the Group Chairman of Prime Waterview Holdings and was widely known for his business acumen and philanthropic activities.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said he received the news of the prince’s death with profound sadness, describing him as a compassionate and generous personality whose life positively impacted many people.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the Ooni of Ife, the Ogunwusi family, the people of Ile-Ife and all those affected by the loss.
“It is disheartening to hear about the passing of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, the elder brother of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Enitan, Ojaja II. While he was alive, Prince Ogunwusi stood as a source of comfort and hope for many, utilizing his God-given wealth to support people in dire need,” Adeleke said.
He noted that Prince Ogunwusi’s contributions to the development of Ile-Ife and humanity would remain unforgettable.
“As Governor, I recognise the loss of Prince Ogunwusi as a personal loss given his contributions, particularly in Ile-Ife, where his kindness helped shape many lives. In this moment of grief, I offer Kabiyesi and everyone touched by this painful loss my thoughts, prayers and solidarity,” the governor added.
Governor Adeleke prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and urged those mourning him to sustain the ideals of compassion, empowerment and dignity that defined his life.
Similarly, the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, described the death of Prince Ogunwusi as a monumental loss to the Ojaja Royal Dynasty, Ile-Ife, Osun State and the entire Yoruba nation.
In a condolence message personally signed by him, Oyebamiji said he received the news with shock, noting that Nigeria had lost one of its foremost entrepreneurs and economic contributors.
“I received the news of the death of our great Prince with a rude shock. Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi was a man of inimitable character, ingenuity, integrity and a perfect model of entrepreneurship,” Oyebamiji said.
He described the late prince as a dependable, sincere and generous leader whose entrepreneurial vision contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
“Late Ogunwusi was known for his dependability, reliability, sincerity, generosity and entrepreneurial spirit that had impacted greatly on the nation’s economic viability, potential and vibrancy,” he stated.
The APC standard-bearer extended his condolences to the Ooni of Ife, the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty, the people of Ile-Ife and the Yoruba race, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of our great party, I heartily condole the foremost traditional ruler, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on the passing of his elder brother.
“I pray God to grant the bereaved family, and most significantly our father, the Ooni of Ife, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. Kindly accept my sincerest condolences,” Oyebamiji added.
The late Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi was widely respected in business and philanthropic circles, with many describing him as a quiet achiever whose investments and humanitarian gestures touched numerous lives within and beyond Osun State.
