Late Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan.
This is coming amid speculations that Oloye Lekan Balogun, current Otun Olubadan, is expected to become the new Olubadan of Ibadan according to Ibadan monarchical hierarchy.
Buhari’s condolence message is contained in a statement released by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The president affirmed that the late Kabiyesi was a visionary and compassionate leader, who used his influence as a respected traditional ruler to advance the progress of his people.
He said that the late Oba encouraged and motivated them to give their best in their vocation and to the nation, urging Ibadan people and Nigerians to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing the virtues he cherished so much: generosity, peace, tolerance and devotion to unity.
Buhari expressed trust that the process of selecting his successor would be guided by wisdom, understanding and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived.
He prayed to God to grant the soul of Oba Adetunji eternal rest and comfort the family, friends, associates and subjects he left behind.
The 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, who was also chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, died in the wee hours of Sunday and will be buried later today at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan Palace according to Muslim rites at 4pm.
According to a statement released by Mr Adeola Oloko, his personal assistant and head of media, Oba Adetunji, aged 93, assed away in the early hours of this morning (Sunday) at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.
He is survived by his wife, Olori Rashidat Ololade Adetunji, Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Meanwhile, due the death of the monarch, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, there are speculations that Oloye Lekan Balogun, who is currently Otun Olubadan, is expected to become the new Olubadan of Ibadan according to Ibadan monarchical hierarchy.
Besides Lekan Balogun, there are others in line for the Olubadan throne are.
They are:
•Owolabi Olakulehin: Balogun Olubadan
•Rashidi Ladoja: Osi Olubadan.
•Eddy Oyewole: Ashipa Olubadan.
•Tajudeen Ajibola: Osi Balogun.
•Amidu Ajibade:Ekaarun Olubadan.
•Lateef Gbadamosi: Ashipa Balogun Olubadan.
•Kola Adegbola: Ekarun Balogun.
•Abiodun Kola-Daisi: Ekerin Olubadan.
Said Mr. Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor while confirming the Olubadan’s death: “The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.
“His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom, and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.
“Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society”.
The Olubadan died 22 days after the death of another prominent monarch in Oyo State, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Soun of Ogbomoso.
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 Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan.
Adetunji was crowned Olubadan after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade.
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 Wasiu Ayinde Marshall.
Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadanland.
