Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday expressed shock at the death of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The 93-year-old royal father passed on at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan on Sunday.
Makinde said in a statement issued in Ibadan by his CPS Taiwo Adisa that the demise of the royal icon was painful despite his old age.
He added that the wisdom and wealth of experience of the late first class traditional ruler would be sorely missed.
The governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-council and all Ibadan indigenes as well as the Oyo State traditional council.
He said Oba Adetunji gave his all to ensure that Ibadan is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
“The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, (Aje Ogungunniso I), came as a shock.
“Kabiyesi’s exit at this time is painful to say the least. His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled,” he said.
Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin described the demise of the king as shocking and unbelievable.
“Just within the space of one month, Oyo State lost three highly-revered Obas to the cold hands of death. This is really shocking and unbelievable.
“First it was the Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi (Ajagungbade III) the second was the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoyo and now the Olubadan of Ibadan.
“I commiserate with the good people of Ibadan and Oyo Sate in general on this sad incident in the New Year.
“We have lost another highly successful businessman and a good father to us all. Our government has lost another very good friend and adviser.
“My heartfelt sympathies to the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and particularly to the Olubadan-in-Council for this great loss,’’ he said.
Ogundoyin stated that the late Oba Adetunji was a principled and morally upright traditional ruler whose fatherly advice would be missed.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the Olubadan and for Allah to grant him the best abode in Al-Jannah Firdaous,’’ he said.
