Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has in the early hours of Sunday, January 2 passed on at 93.
The monarch died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, palace sources announced but did not disclose the cause of his death.
One of the sources told ThePunch;
It is what you have heard. Baba (Olubadan) has joined his ancestors.
Confirming the Olubadan’s death, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, said;
The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.
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.
Additionally, Oba Adetunji’s body has arrived Popoyemoja Palace, Ibadan from University College Hospital (UCH).
His corpse was welcomed by a large crowd among whom were sympathisers who broke down in tears as the late monarch’s body was moved out of an ambulance.
He was wrapped in light blue cloth when he was taken inside his palace by some aides.
The Olubadan died 22 days after the death of another prominent monarch in Oyo State – Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.
Read Also: Soun Of Ogbomoso, Oba Ajagungbade Dies At 95
Oba Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928, as the first of 17 children of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan.
He was crowned the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan following his coronation on March 4, 2016 after the demise of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade.
Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, he was the Balogun of Ibadan land.
He grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving into Lagos state:
While working as a fashion designer, Adetunji delved into musical record marketing until 1960 when he founded his first of three record label imprints called Baba Laje Records which housed notable fuji music acts, including Dauda Epo-Akara and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall.
Details about Olubadan of Ibadan’s burial ceremony would be announced later.
May his soul rest in peace.
