The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced that the late Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, would get a state burial.
The Governor disclosed this on Monday when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch, high chiefs and members of the Ogbomoso community, at the palace of the Soun, saying the visit was to officially condole with the family and entire sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland over the demise of the foremost monarch, who died on December 12, 2021, and that of his daughter, Prof. Taibat Danmale, who died on January 9, 2022.
Makinde noted that the late monarch was a forthright and blunt person, who used to speak truth to power always, maintaining that the monarch left a good legacy and did wonderfully well for the development of Ogbomoso and Oyo State in general.
“Those who don’t want unity and progress for our state have been saying a lot of negative things since Baba joined his ancestors. Some said I did not come to condole with the family because I don’t like the people of Ogbomosoland. The truth is, all those people making those comments don’t know how close I am to the palace and to Mama (Queen Ibironke).”
“So, those critics are still free to keep running their mouths. Part of the reason I came is that Baba deserves state burial and, for me as the governor of Oyo State, that is exactly what I will give to Baba. So, I am here to discuss with the family personally and whatever we agree on is what I will carry out,” Makinde assured.
The Governor prayed that Ogbomoso would continue to progress and the vision the late monarch had for Ogbomosland would be accomplished.
Earlier, the eldest son of the late monarch, Dr Aderemi Oyewumi, said governor Makinde is one of the favourite governors of the late monarch, adding that the visit was better late than never and highly appreciated, despite what may people have said.
Oyewumi stated: “You have said a lot of good things about Baba and another thing I want to specially thank you for is the issue of LAUTECH. The institution was so dear to Baba and many of us here know the huge contribution of Baba to ensure the institution is domiciled here in Ogbomoso, even until the name was changed to LAUTECH. For your singular act in settling the ownership issue between Osun and Oyo states, you did well.”
He, however, pleaded with the governor to expedite action on installing another Soun of Ogbomosoland very soon.
The visit had in attendance, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Segun Ogunwuyi, other top government officials from Ogbomosoland, the wives of the late monarch, family and chiefs of Ogbomosoland.
