GOVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday extolled the virtues of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, describing him as a quintessential patriot and nationalist, who changed the history of the ancient city through his numerous contributions.

In his funeral oration delivered at the lying-in-state of the royal father held at the House of Chiefs, secretariat complex, Ajimobi said the late Olubadan served meritoriously and with dignity in all the positions that he was privileged to attain in his lifetime.

The lying-in-state was part of the weeklong activities organized by the state government in conjunction with the family and other stakeholders to celebrate the life and times of Oba Odulana, the 40th Olubadan of Ibadanland, who died on January 19, at the age of 101.

Aside the children of the late royal father, on hand to bid Oba Odulana farewell were the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Michael Adeyemo and other lawmakers from the state House of Assembly.

Also in attendance were members of the Olubadan-in-Council, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ibadan elders, representatives of the political class and prominent indigenes and citizens of Ibadan.

Ajimobi described the life of the revered monarch as that of discipline and commitment, maintaining that his reign as Olubadan were untainted, noble, eventful and peaceful.

He said, “Kabiyesi wore so many caps to the admiration of all and sundry during his lifetime. He walked through many paths and survived many challenges.

“Over and across time, Kabiyesi was a teacher, a soldier, an administrator, an educationist, a politician and statesman, and indeed, a titled chief, who rose to become the king of Ibadanland.”