The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Delta State governor, Senator Okowa, have extolled the virtues of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who joine his ancestors on Sunday, January 2, 2022.
The Sultan of Sokoto who is also the President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), commiserated with the Oyo State government, the Olubadan-in-Council, the family and people of the state over the passing of Olubadan, describing him as an enigma whose visionary disposition traditional institution in Nigeria would miss.
The Sultan in a press statement made available to newsmen by the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sa’idu Muhammad Maccido, that Oba Adetunji’s quality life was well spent on advancing the progress of his people, who he also motivated to be themselves and be part of the better Nigeria project for the good of all.
Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, who recalled that he recently visited Oba Adetunji in his palace in Ibadan, said those the monarch left behind can only take solace in the fact that he lived life for others to live and benefited many.
Also, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said the late Oba Saliu Adetunji died when Nigerians have a lot to learn from the departed first class monarch.
In a statement issued by the National Chairman of the forum, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on Monday, the ACF said it benifitted from his wisdom and stability of character.
The ACF also said the late Adetunji was a progressive traditional ruler who brought progress and stability to Ibadan, the headquarters of the defunct Western region.
“He did this in a period of five years in office. Ibadan is a traditional Yoruba town which has grown to accommodate the diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria. We mourn his departure because Nigeria has a lot to learn from him. If he had lived on, we would have benefitted much more from his wisdom and stability of character.
“The ACF joins other Nigerians in mourning his death. The Forum sympathises with his immediate family, the Ibadan Traditional Councils and Oyo Traditional Council.
We pray that God will give them the wisdom to choose a worthy successor to the departed Olubadan,” the ACF said.
In the same vein, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Monday commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Seyi Makinde, the government and people of the State over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor noted that the late monarch was a courageous leader and one committed to the development of his kingdom and beyond.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with the government and people of Oyo State, the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council over the passing of Oba Saliu Adetunji.
“The late monarch’s five years reign recorded remarkable peace and infrastructural development in his domain. He will be remembered for his contributions to the peace, unity and development of his kingdom and the entire Oyo State,” Okowa stated.
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