Buhari, Ooni, Alafin, others react to Olubadan’s death

It is no longer news that Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji has passed on and has been laid to rest at the age of 93 on Sunday.

President Muhammadu Buhari and other top Nigerians have condoled with the government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan over the passage of the monarch.

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Below are some of the statements from their aides.

Buhari via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, charged the people of Ibadan, especially the royal family and the Olubadan-in-Council, to preserve the virtues of devotion to unity, peace and tolerance that Oba Adetunji was known for.

While noting that the death of the monarch, whom he described as a visionary and compassionate leader, has created a huge void in traditional leadership in the country, the President trusts that the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding, and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.

“The President affirms 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.

“While his demise understandably leaves a huge void to fill, the President urges 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.

“As the funeral rites of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland get underway in Ibadan, the President 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 prays God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind.”

Ooni of Ife extols the virtue of Olubadan

In his reaction, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II extolled the virtues of the late monarch , saying he would forever be remembered for the tremendous development he brought to Ibadanland, in particular, and Nigeria at large.

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.

“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 THEM, ancient city of Ibadan, and the entire Oduduwa race globally at this material time.”

On his part, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in a statement 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.”