The Janazah prayer and lying in state for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has been held at Mapo Hall, the centre of the Ibadan city, ahead of the interment in Oyo State.
The monarch was carried in a transparent casket from his Popoyemoja Palace into the hearse by hundreds of youths and Ibadan indigenes.
The palace was besieged by thousands of Ibadan indigenes as early as 8 am as soon as the news of the demise hit the airwaves.
Thousands of Ibadan indigenes, who accompanied the hearse, walked a distance of about three kilometres through the streets on foot.
The tense atmosphere was greeted by sympathisers who could not hide their shock and surprise at what they described as the ‘sudden death’ of the monarch.
Brief prayers were held for the repose of the soul of the deceased monarch, his family, Ibadanland and the state as a whole.
The event, held amidst heavy security presence, was devoid of any form of thuggery and fear that usually characterise events at the location.
The early callers at the palace include Ex-governor Rashidi Ladoja; Professor Taoheed Adedoja; the Mayegun of Yorubaland and Fuji Music exponent, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal; President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Prince Yemisi Adeaga and former CCII President-General, Chief Bayo Oyero, among others.
Meanwhile, the widow of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Olori Rasheedat, has appealed for understanding from the media saying it is too early to grant interviews.
The widow who was flanked by other sympathisers in the inner chamber of the palace was seen welcoming and receiving friends and family members, among other sympathisers.
PIAK
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