Ajimobi mourns High Chief’s demise, congratulates Olubadan at 89

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has expressed sadness over the death of a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa.

The governor also congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on the occasion of his 89th birthday.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, the governor described the passing on of the Ibadan High Chief as shocking and depressing.

High Chief Olaifa, a veterinary doctor and prominent member of the council, died in the late hours of Thursday at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He would also have been crowned as an oba today alongside other members of the council, who were recently elevated from high chiefs to beaded-crown wearing traditional rulers.

“I received the news of the passing away of High Chief Femi Olaifa with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.

“Chief Olaifa was bubbling with life when he and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council came to my office on a courtesy visit last Monday. There was no sign that I was seeing this ebullient and patriotic Ibadan leader for the last time.

“He was a consummate and highly revered royalty who played an active role at a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters on Wednesday.

“His death is a personal loss to me, because he was an ardent supporter of our administration since inception. He was always offering useful advice; all of which have contributed immensely to the modest achievements we have recorded so far.

“Besides, the late Chief Olaifa was one of the high chiefs who threw their weight behind the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration review currently being carried out by our administration.

“Having been convinced about the merits of the exercise and our sincerity of purpose, he had insisted that we should not look back having been satisfied that the exercise was in the overall interest of Ibadanland.”

The governor commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba council, the deceased family, friends, associates and the entire indigenes of the ancient city on the demise of the high chief.

While thanking the late flamboyant high chief for what he described as his invaluable support for his administration, Ajimobi prayed that Allah would grant him eternal rest.

The governor, while congratulating the Olubadan, prayed for renewed strength and continued peaceful reign for the him.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy to the governor, Mr Yomi Layinka, quoted the governor as congratulated the monarch and the entire people of Ibadanland on the momentous occasion.

The governor said it was by divine arrangement and not sheer coincidence that Olubadan’s birthday came at a period Ibadanland was witnessing a major transformation and boost in royalty, which, he said, was poised to enhance the status of the ancient city.

As the monarch inches very close to assuming the nonagenarian status, the governor prayed that the God should continue to strengthen him and imbue him with greater wisdom and knowledge for the benefit of the people of Ibadanland.

Ajimobi said: “Kabiyesi, on behalf of the good people of Oyo State I rejoice with you on the occasion of your birthday, which provides another opportunity for me to thank the Almighty for preserving your life and for renewing your vigour.

The governor, who expressed sadness over the sudden death of a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa, described his passing away as shocking and depressing.

He would also have been crowned as an Oba on Sunday (today) alongside other members of the council, who were recently elevated from high chiefs to beaded-crown wearing traditional rulers.

Ajimobi said, “I received the news of the passing away of High Chief Femi Olaifa with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.

“Chief Olaifa was bubbling with life when he and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council came to my office on a courtesy visit last Monday. There was no sign that I was seeing this ebullient and patriotic Ibadan leader for the last time.”