A mammoth crowd of sympathisers on Sunday thronged the Mapo Hall and Popoyemoja Palace of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji as the earthly body of the first class monarch was buried.
While his remains were being taken to Mapo Hall for prayers, scores of residents were seen in groups discussing the demise of the traditional ruler.
Ninety-three-year-old Oba Adetunji, who ascended the throne in March 2016, joined his ancestors early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state.
His passage brought to four, the number of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers that had joined their ancestors in the last three weeks.
The 95-year-old Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, died on December 12; the Asigangan of Iganganland in Oyo State, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi Aribiyan II, also followed on December 21. Following closely on their departure was the Gbiri Of Epinmi Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Ade Oyekan, who also joined his ancestors on December 27 at 60.
‘Tough way to start the year’, Ooni, Alaafin mourn Olubadan
Meanwhile, the Arole Oduduwa and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has extolled the virtues of the late Olubadan.
Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by his Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, on Sunday in Ile-Ife, described the late Oba Saliu as a great traditional ruler.
The Ooni said that the reign of the late Olubadan would forever be remembered for the tremendous development he brought to Ibadanland, in particular, and Nigeria at large.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan did not let the features of old age hold him back during his lifetime as he was active to projects, programmes, plans, and other activities towards making life better for his subjects.
“That is why his return home would be missed greatly by all.
“Though it is a tough way to start the year, we must submit to the Will of the Almighty Olodumare for the life of Oba Adetunji, which was well spent serving humanity.
“Our thoughts and prayers in the House of Oduduwa are with natives as well as residents of the ancient city of Ibadan, and the entire Oduduwa race globally at this material time.” the traditional ruler said.
Also, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, condoled with family members of the late Olubadan and the entire people of Ibadan over the death of the traditional ruler.
In a statement by the Alaafin issued by his media aide, Oladotun Oladele, the monarch said, “On behalf of myself, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Alaafin of Oyo, the Permanent Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obasa and Chiefs, the Ayabas, the princes, princesses, the Oyomesi and the good people of Oyo most heartily condole with the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji Akanmu, on the sudden departure of this amiable monarch as he joins his ancestors.
“I join all well-meaning Nigerians, home and abroad, to pray that God will grant the entire family and the people of Ibadan the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss at this auspicious time when the wealth of his experience and wisdom of years can be harnessed for the good of Nigeria and Oyo State in general.
“May Eledumare receive him in His bosom and may he continue to rest in peace.”
Makinde mourns as Oyo govt confirms Olubadan’s death Meanwhile, Oyo State Government has confirmed the passage of Oba Adetunji through a condolence press statement by Governor Seyi Makinde, who expressed shock at the passing of the monarch.
The statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, was titled, ‘Makinde mourns Olubadan of Ibadanland’.
Makinde stated that the demise of the royal icon, whom 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 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.
The governor saidKabiyesi gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
He said, “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.”
Family, friends, well-wishers besiege home of Olubadan-in-waiting
Meanwhile, family members, friends, and well-wishers of Chief Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, next in line to become Olubadan of Ibadanland, have started trooping into the Aliiwo Compound and Alarere in Ibadan, for celebration.
The two compounds had started playing host to visitors, shortly after the news of the demise of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was announced.
At the Aliiwo Family Compound of Chief Balogun, NAN reports that traditional drummers were seen singing songs of praises for the incoming Olubadan to the admiration of family members and well-wishers.
Also, at the residence of Chief Balogun, a former Senator, at Alarere, near Iwo Road interchange Ibadan, community heads, family members, and other well-wishers were seen in large numbers waiting to meet the incoming Olubadan.
Few of the visitors were, however, allowed to meet Balogun in his private room, while others were disallowed by security personnel guarding the house.
Some of the family members who spoke expressed joy for making it possible for their family to produce another Olubadan after long years of waiting.
One of the family members, Mukaila Adebisi, said the last time Aliiwo Compound produced Oba Memudu as Olubadan, was in 1952.
Meanwhile, the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, on Sunday described the death of Olubadan of Oba Saliu Adetunji as a huge loss.
Aare Gani Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, expressed shock at the news, saying the late Oba Saliu Adetunji was mostly loved by sons and daughters of Ibadanland, having the most peaceful reign in Ibadan in recent times.
He said, “I feel bad at the news of Kabiesi’s death, however, I am happy he died a hero.The late Oba Adetunji, in his life, brought immense development to Ibadanland.He was very mature, pleasant and peaceful.
“The late Olubadan was never controversial. He was among the prominent Obas that graced my installation ceremony as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland in Oyo, in January 2018.
“And he had a robust relationship with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, throughout his reign.
“Kabiesi’s mature and peaceful life was in display throughout his reign and it was evident that Ibadanland had peaceful and great moments in history during his reign.
“Very Pleasant, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji was a brave man with distinct records of successes. Kabiesi’s five years reign was a milestone and we can hardly forget his immense contributions to the ancient town of Ibadan as well as the traditional institutions.”
The 93-years-old Oba Adetunji, who ascended the throne in March 2016, was said to have died early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state.
The Punch /NAN
