Ex-President Obasanjo pays condolence visits to families of Olubadan, Soun

By Our Correspondent

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has paid condolence visit to the families of late Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade I, and late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Ajeogunguniso 1.

Obasanjo, who was received at the Popoyemoja Palace of late Oba Adetunji by the Gbonka Balogun, Chief Nureni Akanbi, was accompanied to the palace by a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo and Otunba Oyewole Fasawe.

In his brief remark, Obasanjo prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed Ibadan monarch and pledged his readiness to assist the family at any time whenever the need arose.

The former President also paid a condolence visit to Ogbomoso over the demise of Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungnade III where he condoled with family of the monarch.

While condoling Governor 'Seyi Makinde, the former president who also visited the governor in his office, said it would be inappropriate to visit the state without visiting the Chief mourner, while praying God to grant the souls of the departed traditional rulers eternal rest.

He explained that demise of the duo was a great loss to the state, praying that God grant their souls eternal rest.

He said: "Let me thank you for receiving me even at short notice because I have been away when a few things had happened in the country and this state."

"But getting up on my feet, I thought I should pay condolence visit to Oyo State where, within a short period of time, you have lost two of your highest traditional rulers to death."

"So, I had to take it upon myself to pay condolence visit to the families of the late Olubadan and late Soun of Ogbomoso land. And I thought that it would be inappropriate for me to come to Ibadan, go to Ogbomoso and the governor is not visited."

"My prayer is that God will accept their souls into respite and eternal rest. Once again, condolence for the demise of these great traditional rulers in Oyo State."

Responding, Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Rauf Olaniyan, applauded the tenacity of Chief Obasanjo, to condole people in the state over the deaths of the two high traditional rulers, adding that Obasanjo, despite his advanced age, could be humane by his visit to the state to condole the government and families of the deceased monarchs.

He said: "On behalf of the governor of Oyo State, we are receiving you to the state. We really want to thank you."

Everybody knows that one of your cardinal tag is being humane, which has brought, even at your age and level to come to the state. So, we are grateful.

"We really thank God for your life and pray that you live long. On behalf of the people of the state, we say thank you."