Abiodun pays condolence visit to family of late Oba Adetunji
…Ladoja says new Olubadan will emerge soon
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Monday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Abiodun, who also paid a visit to the residence of the former Governor of Oyo State and the Osi Olubadan, Chief Rasheed Ladoja said the passing of the late Olubadan was a painful exit and a great loss, not only to the people of Ibadan but the Yoruba race.
Received at the palace by the son of late Oba Adetunji, Dr Raheem Adetunji, the Governor noted that the late Olubadan died a fulfilled man as he lived long and left behind children and grandchildren.
“This incident that happened, Baba has gone to meet his forefathers; his death happened in the right order. Baba left behind his children and grandchildren,” he said.
Abiodun, while noting that Oyo State is a source for Ogun State from the Old Western Region of the country, promised that he would not be far from the family of the late monarch.
“We all know that Oyo state is the source for us. Ibadan, particularly was the capital of the Old Western Region and it is Oyo state that had given birth to Ogun State and all other sister states. Aside that, the late Olubadan was a father to me, when I lost my father he called and commiserated with me. He will be sorely missed; I will not be far from you,” the Governor stated.
In his response, Dr. Adetunji thanked Governor Abiodun for his visit during the family’s trying time.
Meanwhile, former Governor Ladoja while playing host to the Ogun State Governor, disclosed that the new Olubadan would be crowned very soon as the case that was brought before the court of law had been withdrawn.
He said he and other Chiefs in Ibadan met with Governor Seyi Makinde after deciding to withdraw the case from court, assuring that all is well with Ibadanland.
“On the succession plan of the Olubadan, we have our style, all the noise is just because of the misunderstanding of people about what was happening,
“We do not fight over who becomes the next Olubadan as we believe in the age-long tradition of succession and everyone already knows who is line to become the new Olubadan.
“Luckily for us, we met with the governor, we have decided to withdraw the case from court, which means that between now and a few weeks, we will have a new Olubadan and that is the beauty of Ibadanland.
“We do not fight on who succeeds one because we believe that it is God that makes kings. What could have been a straight forward issue now became complicated issue. We knew that the line was from the Balogun line, the next line is the Otun Olubadan line and the Otun Olubadan is naturally the person who should take over,” former Governor Ladoja explained.
The Osi Olubadan who disclosed that he started the race to become an Olubadan as far back as 1993, said “if is the will of God to become an Olubadan before I join my ancestors, I will become one by the grace of God. So, there is no contest at all on who becomes the Olubadan of Ibadanland as long as it follows the laid down procedures.”
Ladoja, while commending the Oyo State governor for his role at ensuring that the case was settled out of court, commended the Ogun State Governor for commiserating with the people of Ibadanland.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun commiserated with the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland over the passage of Oba Adetunji, noting that the death of the monarch was a big void in the very rich cultural heritage of Oyo state.
He, however, described Chief Ladoja as a forthright human being whose life style is simple, saying his life style is worthy of emulation.
“You are a very humble distinguished eminent personality, you live by an example of simplicity, you are also forthright.
“We will continue to emulate you, that Omoluabi in you is what some of us have seen and we will continue to try to emulate you. I pray that you live long,” Abiodun submitted.
