Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, have commiserated with the family of the late ‘Ewi’ exponent, Olanrewaju Adepoju.

They mourned the death of the foremost Yoruba poet and musician, who exited the world on Sunday evening in his Idi-Orogbo residence, off Bashorun MKO, Abiola Way (former Ring Road), Ibadan.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Moses Alao, the governor described Adepoju as one of Oyo State’s worthy ambassadors in the entertainment industry, adding that he (Adepoju) flew the glorious flag of the Pacesetter State for decades.

Makinde condoled with the immediate family of the late poet and the entire people of Ibadanland, praying to God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Oba Balogun, in his message of condolence made available to journalists in Ibadan by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, described the death of the late Adepoju, who was also the Aare Alaasa of Ibadanland (an honorary title) as a great loss to the entire Yoruba Nation.

Olubadan said the late Adepoju used his talent and the mastery of the Yoruba language to promote the culture and tradition of Yoruba through his popular poems (Ewi) for which he engraved his name eternally in the consciousness of all Yoruba sons and daughters.

The Olubadan also said that Adepoju would be remembered for his religious activities through his group, Universal Muslim Brothers (UMB) with which he propagated his faith alongside his chosen path of endeavour and with which he earned himself accolades of immense proportion.

He enjoined members of the family to be proud and happy that the departed soul left behind good legacies, saying that rather than mourning his passage, they should celebrate him and be grateful to the Almighty Allah for the grace bestowed upon him.