The people of Oyo state have been forced into mourning once more.
This is due to the death of Oba Gabriel Adepoju, the Oloko of Oko.
The Oyo king, according to reports, died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 85.
He is supposed to have ascended to the throne in Oko Ile, a town in the state’s Oriire Local Government Area, in 1997.
In 2011, the monarch had been sentenced to life imprisonment over a murder charge after someone was killed in a clash that occurred in a motor park close to his palace.
The monarch claimed innocence of the charge against him but the court found him guilty.
However, the late former Governor of Oyo Abiola Ajimobi in 2014 granted the monarch a state pardon and the monarch had ruled over the Oko Ile town before his death.
The death of Oba Adepoju is coming after no fewer than three prominent monarchs in Oyo state also died in the last six weeks.
In December 2021, the death of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, was announced
The death was announced by the Gbagun Ruling House of Ogbomoso in a statement by Dr. Aderemi Oyewumi.
The monarch according to the statement died at the age of 95 year after he reigned for 48 years and was buried shortly after.
He was buried according to Islamic rites inside a Vault in the palace.
The monarch’s death was followed by farewell messages from top politicians across the country.
President Muhammadu Buhari who sent messages to the bereaved family also commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State, the Council of Obas and especially the indigenes of Ogbomosoland.
Buhari in his message called on sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to be consoled with the fact that Oba Oyewumi accentuated his reign with the development and progress of the community through enduring peace and extension of hands of fellowship to people of other lands.
On his part, a former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is said to be eyeing the presidential position come 2023, also extended his condolences.
Tinubu described Oba Oyewunmi as a highly referred traditional ruler who worked for peace, unity and development in Ogbomoso, Yorubaland and indeed in Nigeria.
The governor of the state, Seyi Makinde said the late monarch made a lasting impact.
Makinde made the disclosure in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa.
The governor described the death of Soun as a huge loss to the Ogbomoso Kingdom, Oyo and humanity in general.
His counterpart in Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Richard Olatunde, said the Soun’s death was a great loss to mankind.
Also, former governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, said the sudden demise of Soun was a personal loss to him.
At the beginning of January, the people of Oyo state were also thrown into mourning as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, passed away.
The death of the Olubandan was confirmed by palace sources, Punch reports.
Adetunji was 93 years old.
“It is what you have heard. Baba (Olubadan) has joined his ancestors,” one of the palace sources said.
Shortly after his death, his remains were taken to Popoyemoja Palace, Ibadan, Oyo State.
A report by Punch explained that the Olubadan’s corpse was welcomed by a large crowd among whom were sympathisers who broke down in tears as the late monarch’s remains were offloaded from an ambulance.
The departed monarch’s body was wrapped in light blue cloth when he was taken inside his palace by some aides.
Watch: Remains Of Olubadan Of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Arrives The Palace Amid Tears
Meanwhile, the Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde later released a condolence press statement, relating to Olubandan’s death.
Makinde expressed shock at the passing of the monarch in the statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, titled, ‘Makinde mourns Olubadan of Ibadanland’.
According to the governor, the demise of the royal icon, whom he described as a great leader of his people and an exemplary royal father, was painful despite his old age.
Makinde also noted that the late Olubadan’s wisdom and wealth of experience would be 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 added that the Kabiyesi gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
He said, “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.
“Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.
“I commiserate with his immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and all Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad on the demise of our father.
“I equally extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council and pray to God to keep all our Obas safe and give them more years to direct the affairs of our people, especially as Olubadan’s death is coming on the heels of the demise of the Soun of Ogbomosoland and Asigangan of Igangan.
May God grant them all eternal rest.”
Another monarch from Oyo state who also died in December is the Asigangan of Igangan land in Oyo State, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi, Aribiyan II.
His death was announced by the Chairman of Ibarapa North local government area of the state, Lateef Akorede, on his Facebook page.
The council boss wrote, “I received the tragic news of the demise of our king, Oba Abdul- Azeez Adeoye Adewuyi, Aribiyan II, Gbadewolu 1, the Asigangan of Igangan land who died early hours of today. This is a great loss for Ibarapa land and indeed the Yoruba race.
“We’ll miss your wisdom sir, your leadership, your love for this land, your endless support for anything Ibarapa. Indeed you were a great king that has the love of his people at heart.
May your soul Rest In Peace.”
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