By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that the contributions of late Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba (Dr.) Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III to the political, social and economic life of Ogbomoso in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole would remain indelible in the hearts and minds of those who had interacted with him in politics and in social-economic life.
Oba Jimoh Oyewumi aged 95 reportedly joined his ancestors early Sunday morning after spending a memorable 48 years on the throne of his forefathers and was reputed to have been the longest reigning monarch of the ancient town.
Obasanjo disclosed that the highly revered late monarch “will be remembered as a patriot and custodian of our cultural and traditional values, who gave his best while on the throne of his forefathers.”
In his tribute to the monarch, copy of which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Sunday, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President and close friend of the late first class royal father went down memory lane to eulogise him
According to Obasanjo in the tribute titled: “I Lost A Good Friend – HRM Oba (DR.) Oladuni Oyewumi, The Soun Of Ogbomoso Land”, the former President described Oba Oyewumi as an extraordinary person blessed with qualities and characteristics which made him one of the most unforgettable men of our generation.
Obasanjo said “Oba Oyewumi was a successful businessman. He was one of those, early in the history of Nigeria that really made living outside one’s place of birth with great success. I can still vividly remember his contribution to social life in Jos in the 1960s and 70s. He made his business in Jos where he was well at home and respected. I met him in Jos in 1961 and since then we had become friends.”
“He lived a life of not only of service but also of peace among his fellow Obas and within his own community without allowing himself to be swayed from what is right and correct for a traditional ruler by politicians.
“He represented the absolute pinnacle of the Nigerian spirit. A truly noble human being, he was a king among men who earned the respect and admiration of all. Yet he never lost the humane touch. Hardworking, gentle, kind, humble, giving, generous and true, he embodied all the best of what it is to be human. Indeed, Ogbomosoland has lost a great monarch, and Oyo State, a towering personality whose benign influence will be difficult to replace.
“It is my prayer that his rare qualities will live forever in the minds and hearts of all who knew him and I encourage them to preserve his legacy by imitating him.
“May God grant his family, the good people of Ogbomosoland and the entire Oyo State the grace to bear the heavy loss of his death.”