The Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi have both paid tributes to the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji who died on Sunday.
Oba Adeyemi, in a statement posted on Instagram by his media aide Oladotun Oladele “heartily” condoned with Nigerians and family of the late king.
“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 Bossom and may he continue to rest in peace,” he said.
On the other hand, Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by his spokesman Moses Olafare, described the late king as a great traditional ruler.
The Ooni said that the reign of the late Olubadan would forever be remembered for the tremendous development he brought to Ibadanland, in particular and Nigeria at large.
“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 tofward 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.” he said.
The Ooni had earlier in December mourned the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Ajagungbade and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu.
He said that the trio of Soun, Olowu and Olubadan led administrations of growth and all round development in their respective domains during their reigns.
Ogunwusi, who is the co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), added that history would forever be kind to them across the Oduduwa race.
