- Deceased monarch to be buried today
- Rashidi Ladoja, third in rank to Olubadan, arrives palace
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has described the passage of the passage of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, as another tragedy for the entire Yoruba race.
He condoled with the Government and people of Oyo State, the entire Yoruba race and particularly Ibadan people over the passage of another first class royal father in Yorubaland.
The deceased Olubadan joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday barely one month after another first class Yoruba royal father, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, joined his ancestors.
A statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, said that the Governor “received the news of the transition of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, with a rude shock.
“Governor Akeredolu said despite the Olubadan’s old age, he was a valuable asset, not only to the people of Ibadan but to the entire Yoruba race.
“The Governor who condoled with the Government and good people of Oyo state particularly indigenes of Ibadan, noted that the late monarch did his best for the development of Ibadan land.
“Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji was, undoubtedly, committed to the progress and peace of Ibadan land. He was a king whose reign witnessed tremendous development in Ibadan land.
“Yet, his transition is another tragedy for us in Yoruba land. This loss, coming shortly after the demise of Soun of Ogbomoso, is a big blow dealt on our traditional stool in Yoruba land.
“As a people with culture and tradition, we believe that Oba Adetunji has gone to be with his forefathers. He has played his part and only his legacies will forever speak for him.
“He will be remembered for his firm stands. His principles and love for his people will be his enduring legacies. He was royalty with a difference.” the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu condoled with the monarch’s immediate family, while praying that God will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Olubadan to be buried today – Palace
Meanwhile, the body of the monarch will be buried in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital by 4:00 p.m.
This was made known in a four-paragraph statement signed by the monarch’s Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity, Adeola Oloko, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
Osi Olubadan Ladoja arrives palace
The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has arrived at the Olubadan Palace in Ibadan.
The 77-year-old Ladoja, is the third in command in the Olubadan-in-Council.
He arrived on Sunday afternoon. Many other dignitaries are also expected to arrive at the Palace.
Many Islamic clerics have also arrived at the palace to observe the final burial rites.
Oba Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928, as the first of 17 children of his parents.
He was crowned 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016.
A statement announcing his passage had read: ”The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has joined his ancestor.
“Oba Adetunji, 93, passed away in the early hours of this morning at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
“He is survived by his wife, Olori Rashidat Ololade Adetunji, Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be buried at 4.00 pm today at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan Palace, according to Muslim rites. Other things follow later.”
