Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has paid a visit to the scene of the Bodija, Ibadan explosion.
The traditional ruler, who paid the visit on Tuesday afternoon, expressed grief over the dastardly incident and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who paid the visit on behalf of the Olubadan, commiserated with the bereaved, prayed for the injured as well as those who lost valuables in the devastating explosion.
Accompanied by other Ibadan obas and chiefs, Oba Ajibola, after leaving the Bodija scene of the incident, visited the University College Hospital (UCH) to pray for the injured admitted there and examine the damages done to some sections of the hospital.
The Olubadan team also visited the homes of Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola, a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Iyiola Oladokun as well as that of a former Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Hosea Ayoola Agboola, which all suffered from the explosion.
In all the places visited, Oba Ajibola delivered Olubadan’s message of commiseration and identification with them at this trying moment with a prayer that there won’t be a reoccurrence of such disturbing incident.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadanland has commended the Oyo South governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, over his prompt response and action on the explosion that rocked the state capital, Tuesday evening.
Oba Balogun, in a statement by his Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, described the incident as unfortunate and devastating.
He remarked that the way and manner the governor responded and with his prompt briefing of the people not only doused the tension created by the incident, but gave a sense of reassurance.
“I was following the governor’s every step and I am very impressed with his approach, prompt action, meticulous steps and quick intervention on the medical needs of the injured. The governor really proved himself a truly people’s governor,” he said.
The first-class traditional ruler commiserated with the deceased families and prayed that the Almighty God would comfort them and grant the departed peaceful repose of their souls.
He also wished the injured quick recovery just as he urged the people to remain calm and obey safety precautions’ directive as may be given by the security agents.
Oba Balogun saluted the security agents, led by the state Commissioner of Police, for their professional handling of the situation, their commitment, dedication and sacrifice.
He prayed that they would not labour in vain just as he implored them not to rest on their oars, but to remain steadfast and proactive to nip in bud any form of threat to the security and peaceful living of the people.
Oba Balogun also called for vigilance on the part of the people. He stressed that, from the available preliminary investigation report, the explosion was preventable if people had been conscious and inquisitive about the activities of the people they live around with.
“A stich in time, saves nine as an adage says. If we put on I don’t care cap about those we live around with, when the consequences of their lifestyle, if it is anti-social manifest, nobody is immune and that’s the result we are now contending with.
“As landlords or agents, who are those tenants we rent our houses to? How much of them do we know? What do they do for a living?
“We should not be contented with just regular payment of rents or ability to pay humongous amount of money.
“Infact, any tenant that ordinarily offers to pay far beyond the common and prevailing rent in an area should be on the watch list if not denied the accommodation,” Olubadan stated.
