Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has lamented that Ibadan has lost rare gems with the recent deaths of Dr Omololu Olunloyo and Alhaji Yekini Adeojo.
Oba Olakulehin stated this in a press release from the Olubadan Palace by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Olugbemiga Ayoade to commiserate with the people of Ibadan on the deaths of the two prominent indigenes.
Alhaji Adeojo, a prominent businessman and leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died last Friday, while Olunloyo, the second civilian governor of Oyo State in the Second Republic, breathed his last in early hours of Sunday morning.
Oba Olakulehin noted in the release, issued on Monday, that the two deaths, in quick succession, have diminished the number in the Ibadan pool of elder statesmen.
“Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo, a foremost mathematician, was a first class brain who stood tall in the Nigerian and international intellectual space.
“His election as governor of Oyo State was a turning point that blazed the trail for the emergence of Ibadan indigenes as governors of Oyo State.
“We will recall that this was a most defining moment when the Ibadans voted for one of their own and true to his name, Victor, he became victorious in the gubernatorial electoral battle of 1983.
“Though short-lived, his tenure was a significant watershed for Oyo State politics,” the paramount traditional ruler of Ibadaland stated.
Olunloyo, the Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, was the first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, among other notable appointments.
Oba Olakulehin stated that his long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to the Olubadan Palace, even as his family and the entire nation come to terms with the reality of his passing.
In the same vein, Oba Olakulehin condoled the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the demise of Alhaji Yekini Adeojo.
Adeojo was a founding father of the PDP in Oyo State and former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP who held the prestigious title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland.
“Alhaji Yekini Adeojo was a prominent businessman, industrialist and philanthropist. He contributed immensely to the economic development of Ibadanland and Oyo State employing thousands, championing many charitable and philanthropic endeavours.
“As a politician, he was a bridge-builder and well respected as a political figure across Nigeria. A devout Muslim, the Islamic community will miss his commitment and devotion to the promotion of the Islamic religion,” the Olubadan added.
Oba Olakulehin prayed for the repose of the souls of the two prominent Ibadan indigenes and fortitude for their immediate and extended families, as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, to bear the irreparable losses.
