By Eben Enasco Kingsley, Benin City
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has described the death of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana as a great loss to the people of Ibadan, Oyo State and the nation, saying he was a father to all.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, Governor Oshiomhole described the Olubadan as “a unifier and a unique royal father whose reign brought a lot of stability and development to Ibadan”. He said the void left by the late royal father would be difficult to fill.
He said: “On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I join the rest of Nigerians to condole with my brother and friend, the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and the good people of Ibadan and Oyo State on the transition of the Olubadan. The late Olu Ibadan was an epitome of humility who devoted his life to the service of God and mankind.
“At a time when some royal fathers got distracted by partisan politics, the Olubadan remained a father to all irrespective of political affiliations and persuasions.
“As we mourn the passage of this great icon and role model, we are consoled that he lived to a ripe old age and under his reign, Ibadan witnessed tremendous growth, development and re-affirmed its status as a centre of Commerce, scholarship, culture and a melting pot for all Nigerians.
“We pray Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest in the hereafter and give the people of Ibadan and Oyo State the grace to bear this great loss.”
