The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole and the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Thursday described the death of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, as a huge loss to the people of Oyo State and the nation.
Oshiomhole, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, described the late monarch as a father to all, a peacemaker and a unique royal father, whose reign brought stability and development to Ibadan.
He also said the void left by the late traditional ruler would be difficult to fill.
“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I join the rest of Nigerians to condole with my brother and friend, the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and the good people of Ibadan and Oyo State on the transition of the Olubadan,” the statement added.
The governor said that the late royalfather displayed humility and devoted his life to the service of God and mankind, at a time when “some royalfathers got distracted by partisan politics.”
He added, “The Olubadan remained a father to all irrespective of political affiliation and persuasion. As we mourn the passage of this great icon and role model, we are consoled that he lived to a ripe old age and under his reign, Ibadan witnessed tremendous growth, development and re-affirmed its status as a centre of commerce, scholarship, culture and a melting pot for all Nigerians.
“We pray Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the people of Ibadan and Oyo State the grace to bear this great loss.”
Also, Obasa in a statement released on Thursday, said the Olubadan’s diligence also contributed significantly to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
The Speaker, who commiserated with the indigenes of Ibadan, said he hoped the next monarch would build on the achievements recorded by his predecessor and take Ibadan to a greater height.
He said, “We are saddened by the loss of the Olubadan. We share the pains of the good people of Ibadan and the Oyo State Government. We also commiserate and pray that our prayers serve as a comfort to them all.
“Olubadan was a strong combatant soldier which made him soar in the Nigerian Army. He was a diligent civil servant, a seasoned politician and a devoted member and co-founder of several organisations such as the Ibadan Economic Foundation and the Ibadan Progressives Union.”
Also, a former candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 governorship election in Oyo State, Teslim Folarin, visited the late Olubadan and described the departed king as a no-nonsense individual.
Foalrin was among scores of dignitaries who visited the palace to pay their respect to the late king. He said the peace that existed in Ibadan was as a result of the king insistence on discipline.
Also at the palace are members of the Ibadan Elders Forum, led by Ambassador Olu Saanu.
In his tribute, Saanu said, “We were a little bit surprised but at the same time, we were happy that he died a peaceful death. That he even had the consciousness to receive the Holy Communion before he died was something we all should be proud of. Baba was a man of great integrity, he was a religious man and everyone knew that. He never disappointed us during his reign. He died the death o a righteous man.”
