President Muhammadu Buhari, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, have expressed grief over the death of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Chiefs, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji.
A statement issued, yesterday, by the palace spokesman, Adeola Oloko, confirmed that Oba Adetunji died aged 93 at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
The late monarch ascended the throne in March 2016, after the death of his predecessor, Oba Samuel Odulana, who died at 101.
Barring any unforeseen development Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Lekan Balogun, might be announced as successor to Adetunji in line with the tradition of Ibadan kingship system.
If he emerges as Olubadan, Balogun, who turns 80 this year, will be the youngest Olubadan in recent history.
In his condolence message to the government and people of Oyo State, President Buhari urged discretion in selecting a new Olubadan.
He affirmed that the late monarch was a visionary and compassionate leader, who used the spheres of his influence as a respected traditional ruler and lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraging and motivating them to give their best in their vocation and service to the country.
As his funeral rites get underway in Ibadan, the President expressed the hope that the process of selecting his successor would be guided by wisdom, understanding and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President prayed God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind.
Responding, Tinubu said the Olubadan’s death, coming shortly after the demise of the Soun of Ogbomoso, was a big loss for Oyo State and Yoruba race.
He described the late Oba Adetunji as “humble, humane, mature, calm and decent, always a symbol of unruffled dignity.”
In a condolence message signed by Tunde Rahman, he said: “I received the news of the transition of the Olubadan of Ibadan, with sadness. Kabiyesi passed on at the ripe age of 93, for which we are extremely grateful to God.
“But his demise has robbed us of his wisdom and wise counselling. He never withheld his deep insights and rich perspectives from those who sought his guidance.”
ALSO, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has expressed sadness over the death of the Olubadan.
He said Adetunji, will be sorely missed by the people of Ibadan and Yoruba land noting that he was an exemplary leader with uncommon love for his people.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker sent his condolences to the Olubadan family, the people and government of Oyo State and prayed God for the repose the deceased’ soul.
On his part, Makinde, who expressed shock at the passage of the monarch, described him “as an exemplary royalty, a great leader and an exemplary royal father” and that his death was painful in spite of his old age.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as saying that the late king gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
BESIDES, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has commiserated with the Oduduwa race worldwide, over the demise of Adetunji.
In a statement released by his Director of Media & Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, the Ooni described the late Olubadan as a great monarch, whose reign would forever be remembered for the development in Ibadan and entire country.
MEANWHILE, Postmaster General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi, has condoled with the people of Ibadan and Oyo State over the demise of the Olubadan.
Adewusi said through a statement that the reign of the monarch witnessed tremendous progress for Ibadan and Oyo State.
Describing Oba Adetunji, as a successful entrepreneur, Adewusi said his achievements in commerce, entertainment and other sectors were worthy of emulation.
