Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has described the death of Ekefa Olubadan, Senior Chief Lateef Oyelade, as a great loss to Ibadan social, religion and traditional system.
Senior Chief Oyelade, the Babaasale Musulumi of Ibadanland, was until his demise early today, a member of the Otun line of the Olubadan ascendancy system.
Oyelade rose to the exalted level of Ekefa, just a step before becoming an High Chief and member of the Olubadan Advisory Council.
Oba Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, expressed shock and bewilderment by the sad news.
The paramount ruler of Ibadanland asked the Almighty Allah to forgive the late Chief Oyelade all his shortcomings.
The Olubadan recalled the last interactions between him and the deceased which was about two weeks ago.
“The death was shocking to me as nothing suggested that the meeting would be the last of such.
“The death is another of Allah’s mysterious ways of doing His own things. Who are we to query His ways?
“Aside our relationship in the traditional system, we shared brotherly relationship as he remained among the few that would visit just to check on me and my welfare.
“He would visit me, not necessarily for any favour or assistance regarding his role and post in the traditional system.
“He was also always available to give robust and effective representation anytime he was called upon by the palace to represent me.
“A very deep religious person, a philanthropist and well composed personality, he possessed very good sense of judgment. He is going to be sorely missed,” Olubadan added.
Oba Balogun commiserated with both the immediate and extended families of the late Chief Oyelade, the Ibadan traditional institution, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Muslim community.
He also commiserated with the generality of Ibadan sons and daughters, both at home and in the Diaspora.
The traditional ruler charged all to appreciate the Almighty Allah for the good life led by the late religious and traditional leader.
“The death is a painful loss and another exit of a committed, loyal and steadfast Ibadan patriot. We are going to miss him.
“We however give thanks to the Almighty Allah for giving him to us and for recalling him home at His appointed time.
“I pray the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Fridaus and comfort all,” Oba Balogun further stated in the statement.
