On Tuesday, hundreds of Ibadan indigenes and residents gathered at the Popoyemoja Palace of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji for the third-day prayers held for the repose of the soul of the late Olubadan.
The prayers started around 9 am with a service held by the Christian community, which had leaders from various denominations, led by the Chairman, the Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju.
At the brief service, the clerics urged the people of Ibadan and the state as a whole to take heart and always remember the virtues of peace, wisdom and development that characterised the reign of the deceased monarch.
Bishop Samuel Alawode, who preached during the service, said they would remember the monarch for creating the Office of the Chaplain to the Olubadan, among other innovations. He stated that during his reign as the Olubadan, the late Oba Adetunji was a man of peace who would not say or promise what he could not give.
He said the level of development and inter-religious activities, especially between Christians and Muslims, improved under the Olubadan’s watch.
Alawode stated: “He wanted peace in the land. He was not somebody that spoke a lot. A leader who talks too much will land in trouble. The late Olubadan would always pick his words; he was not known for talking anyhow. He was very mature in his approach. The way he talked helped Ibadan to be at peace up till now.”
Shortly after, the Muslim community, led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, began its session of prayers.
In his short exhortation at the fidau, Prof. Kamil Oloso charged the people to live life mindful of eternity because every man would give an account of himself on judgment day. He urged them, especially political office holders in attendance, to abstain from evil acts to secure a place in heaven after death.
Olosho said: “God made man from dust, and after death, the body would decay and return to dust. God is, however, powerful to resurrect man, even to the toe/fingernails. The poor and the rich will die to resurrect on judgement day regardless of how big and influential a man was before his death.
“Life is like a mirage and not worth pursuing as no one can ever possess it. Those who lived a godly life would gain heaven while those who did evil while alive would go to hell,” he affirmed.
The cleric prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead Olubadan and prayed for God to comfort the wife and other family members. The Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Abdulmojeed Mogbanjubola, led a delegation of state officials to the event.
Mogbanjubola lauded the virtues of the late king, saying the late Olubadan was a peace-loving monarch full of wisdom, and all would miss his contributions to the development of the state.
Suzan O.
