THE remains of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, have been buried in his Popoyemoja Palace according to Islamic rites.
The 93-year-old royal father passed on at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan earlier today.
Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan led government officials to the funeral.
The monarch’s remains were returned to the palace at about 4:35pm today from Mapo Hall where a lying-in-state and prayer held.
His remains were received by the chief imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere.
Thousands of indigenes and residents of Ibadan witnessed the burial.
Oba Adetunji, who was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016, was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan.
He was the first of 17 children of his parents.
He grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving into Lagos.
While working as a fashion designer, Adetunji delved into musical record marketing until 1960 when he founded his first of three record label imprints called Baba Laje Records which housed notable fuji music acts, including Dauda Epo-Akara and K1 De Ultimate.
President Buhari described the late Olubadan as a visionary and compassionate leader.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said the Olubadan used his influence as a respected traditional ruler and a lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraged and motivated them to give their best in their vocation and to the country.
The statement read: “While his demise understandably leaves a huge void to fill, the President urges the people of Ibadan and Nigerians from different walks of life to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing the virtues he cherished so much: generosity, peace, tolerance, and devotion to unity.
“As the funeral rites of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland get underway in Ibadan, the President trusts that the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding, and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.”
In a statement issued in Ibadan by his CPS Taiwo Adisa, Governor Seyi Makinde said that the demise of the royal father was painful despite his old age.
He added that the wisdom and wealth of experience of the late first class traditional ruler would be sorely missed.
The governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-council and all Ibadan indigenes as well as the Oyo State traditional council.
He said Oba Adetunji gave his all to ensure that Ibadan is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
“The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, (Aje Ogungunniso I), came as a shock.
“Kabiyesi’s exit at this time is painful to say the least. His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled,” he said.
Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin described the demise of the king as shocking and unbelievable.
“Just within the space of one month, Oyo State lost three highly-revered Obas to the cold hands of death. This is really shocking and unbelievable.
“First it was the Soun Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi (Ajagungbade III), the second was the Asigangan of Igangan, Oba Lasisi Olawuyi Adeoyo and now, the Olubadan of Ibadan.
“I commiserate with the good people of Ibadan and Oyo Sate in general on this sad incident in the New Year.
“We have lost another highly successful businessman and a good father to us all. Our government has lost another very good friend and adviser.
“My heartfelt sympathies to the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and particularly to the Olubadan-in-Council for this great loss,’’ he said.
Ogundoyin stated that the late Oba Adetunji was a principled and morally upright traditional ruler whose fatherly advice would be missed.
“I pray for the repose of the soul of the Olubadan and for Allah to grant him the best abode in Al-Jannah Firdaous,’’ he said.
The Alaafin of Oyo Oba, Lamidi Adeyemi and the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi have both paid tributes to the Olubadan of Ibadan.
Oba Adeyemi, in a statement posted on Instagram by his media aide Oladotun Oladele “heartily” condoled with Nigerians and family of the late king.
“I join all well meaning Nigerians, home and abroad to pray that God will grant the entire family and the people of Ibadan the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss at this auspicious time when the wealth of his experience and wisdom of years can be harnessed for the good of Nigeria and Oyo State in general. May Eledumare receive him in his bossom and may he continue to rest in peace,” he said.
On the other hand, Oba Ogunwusi, in a statement by his spokesman Moses Olafare, described the late king as a great traditional ruler.
The Ooni said that the reign of the late Olubadan would forever be remembered for the tremendous development he brought to Ibadanland, in particular and Nigeria at large.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan did not let the features of old age hold him back during his lifetime as he was active to projects, programmes, plans and other activities toward making life better for his subjects.
“That is why his return home would be missed greatly by all.
“Though, it is a tough way to start the year, we must submit to the will of the Almighty Olodumare for the life of Oba Adetunji, which was well spent serving humanity.
“Our thoughts and prayers in the House of Oduduwa are with natives as well as residents of THEM, ancient city of Ibadan and the entire Oduduwa race globally at this material time.” he said.
The Ooni had earlier in December mourned the late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Ajagungbade and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu.
He said that the trio of Soun, Olowu and Olubadan led administrations of growth and all round development in their respective domains during their reigns.
Ogunwusi, who is the co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), added that history would forever be kind to them across the Oduduwa race.
