Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, his Plateau State counterpart, Simon Lalong and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Sunday, expressed heartfelt condolences over the transition of the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.
Akeredolu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, particularly condoled with the queen, Olori Olaronke Oyewumi, and the entire family, as well as the people of Ogbomoso over the demise of the highly revered traditional ruler.
The governor said: “A great Iroko tree has fallen – Ajanaku sun bi oke. Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III was the most decorated Soun. He was a man who loomed larger than life; a very revered monarch he was.
“Having been close to the family for a period spanning over several decades, the First Lady, Betty, and I, mourn this respected monarch who has transited to the world beyond, to be with his forefathers.
“We will surely miss his wise counsel. He was a father to all. His reign signposts development and enduring peace in the land of Ogbomoso. He was a King that history will forever be kind to. He played his part well.”
The governor also commiserated with the Government of Oyo State while urging the people of Ogbomoso to take solace in the good legacy the Monarch left behind.
• ‘Soun’s death also a huge loss to Plateau State’
Plateau Governor, Lalong has commiserated with the family, the Oyo State government and the people of Oyo State over Oba Oyewumi’s death.
The governor in a statement signed by his Director of Press Affairs, Dr Makut Simon Macham, described the loss of the first class traditional ruler as a great loss to the government and people of Oyo State and Ogbomosoland because of his leadership that brought peace, prosperity, reconciliation and tolerance to the people during his 48 years on the throne of his ancestors.
Lalong said the demise of the revered traditional ruler is also a huge loss to Plateau State as the late kabiyesi spent his formative years in Jos where he founded many businesses as well as built strong relationships which he continued to maintain after being called upon to ascend the throne of his forefathers.
He said during his tenure as former Chancellor of the Plateau State University Bokkos, the late Soun of Ogbomosho inspired the institution to grow and become one of the leading state universities in Nigeria with the rapid expansion of infrastructure, research and student experience.
While urging the family, the state as well his subjects to be consoled by his good works, Governor Lalong called on them to keep alive his legacies of humility, wisdom and generosity as well as embracing people from different backgrounds and showing love at all times.
• Soun’s death, great loss to Nigeria, Yoruba traditional institution ― Gani Adams
Meanwhile, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams described Oba Oyewumi’s death as a rude shock, as well as a great loss to Nigeria and the Yoruba traditional institution.
Iba Adams said this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, noting that even though the late monarch had the special grace of attaining old age, yet all Yoruba sons and daughters would surely miss his knowledge, wisdom, experience and peaceful way of life.
The Yoruba generalissimo also said the death of the foremost king had robbed the South-West of one of its finest monarchs with a tremendous wealth of experiences and wisdom.
“Kabiesi’s death came as a rude shock to me, however, he had made an indelible mark as one of the great monarchs in Yoruba history.
“The late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, in his life, brought great development to the ancient town of Ogbomoso, and he would be remembered for his courage, consistency, love and compassion for his subjects.
“My last encounter with the Kabiesi was about a year ago, during one of our programmes in Ogbomoso and we had a wonderful time at the palace where we discussed sundry issues. Unfortunately, I have no idea that that would be the last with the revered monarch,” Adams said.
“I am happy Kabiesi really made his mark and I am sure Yoruba history would be kind to the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi,” he added.
Iba Adams, however, shared his grief with the immediate family of the monarch, as well as all the sons and daughters of the ancient town, including the Ogbomoso Council of Chiefs, saying the late Soun’s death should be seen as the will of God.
He prayed to God to grant the late Soun’s family and the entire town the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I pray God to give Kabiesi’s family and the entire town the fortitude to bear the loss,” Adams said.
The late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi died at the age of 95. He reigned for 48 years, having ascended the throne of his forefathers on October 24, 1973.
The monarch was one of the sons of Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi.
The late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi was from the Gbagun ruling house, a royal family of Soun of Ogbomoso land.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
We Have Not Had Water Supply In Months ― Abeokuta Residents
In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of residents in getting clean, potable and affordable water amidst the surge of COVID-19 cases in the state.
and then