President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled to the government and people of Oyo State, the Royal Family, the Olubadan-in-council and the people of Ibadan on the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The President, through a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Sunday, affirmed that the late Kabiyesi was a visionary and compassionate leader, who used the spheres of his influence as a respected traditional ruler and a lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraging and motivating them to give their best in their vocation and to the nation.
He urged the people of Ibadan and Nigerians from different walks of life to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing the virtues he cherished so much: generosity, peace, tolerance and devotion to unity.
He trusts that the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.
President Buhari prayed God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind.
Besides,former governors of Oyo state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Deputy Governor of the state, Engr Rauf Olaniyan, Bada Balogun of Ibadanland, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, have paid last respect to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso I at his Popoyemoja Palace.
Others that attended the funeral rite at Popoyemoja Palace include the Deputy speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Abiodun Fadeyi, members of House of Assembly, Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde, Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mojeed Mogbonjubola, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola, Abass Oloko and other prominent Ibadan Indegenes that cut across all sectors.
Speaking at the Palace the Deputy governor, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan who represented the government said Olubadan lived a fulfilled life despite his short period on the through.
According to him, “Oba Adetunji lived a fulfilled live despite his short period on the throne. During his time there was relative peace which attracted several development into the ancient city”.
According to Bada Balogun, Oloye Adegboyega Adegoke, “despite the well life spent by the first class monarch, his death is a great loss to people of Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Oba Adetunji was known for his consistent in promoting peaceful and harmonious co-existence, had respect for religions and diverse cultures in the state and country as whole.
“Oba Adetunji had successfully carried on with the legacies of his forefathers, dating back to the 16th century, with an intentional focus to uphold the beautiful traditions of hospitality, respect for authorities and communal development that has always defined the throne.
“He was a wonderful, excellent king who stood by with tradition during his tenure. He did not allow anyone to torpedo the Ibadan hierarchical succession plan of ascending the throne”.
The Ayingun Olubadan and lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Oloye Teslim Folarin expressed sadness over the dead of Oba Adetunji, he described him as the most peace-loving monarch Ibadan has ever had.
According to him, “I received the news of the passing away of our highly revered royal father with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated with his demise.
“Baba’s contributions to unity of Yoruba Nation, impact and positive influence in the country will be greatly missed.
“He left indelible marks in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and also as an imperial king in Yorubaland. Baba was an honest, decent and forthright king”.
Oloye Folarin while praying for the eternal rest of the first-class king, commiserated with the Olubadan-in-Council, the Adetunji royal family, the people of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
In his message, Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams also described the death of Olubadan as a huge loss, even as he said the demise of the first class monarch had robbed Nigeria and the entire Yoruba land of a mature and peaceful monarch.
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.
“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 moment 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”,
With Kabiesi’s death, Yorubaland has lost a peaceful monarch and symbol of humility. We have also lost one of our respected monarchs and a pillar of hope for our race.
“Olubadan’s death had also robbed us of a true ambassador, whose maturity and wealth of experience is next to none”
“Kabiesi died at a deservedly old age, and his strength of character was very noticeable.His imprints in Ibadan and the entire southwest was remarkable”
Iba Adams, however, prayed for the repose of the monarchs soul, stressing that Ibadan and the entire southwest will sorely missed the monarch’s forthrightness, strong voice and exemplary character.
“Olubadan’s death,though, shocking brought to four, the numbers of prominent Yoruba monarchs that had joined their ancestors in the last three weeks”.
