Olunloyo, Adeojo : Ibadan lost rare gems — Oba Olakulehin 

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has described the passing of two prominent sons of the ancient city, former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo and prominent businessman and politician, Chief Yekini Adeojo, as losses of two rare gems of Ibadanland.

The monarch in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Oluwagbemiga Ayoade, said these deaths in quick succession have diminished the number in the Ibadan pool of elder statesmen.

Oba Olakulehin stated that Dr. Olunloyo, a foremost mathematician was a first class brain who stood tall in the Nigerian and international intellectual space, stating that his election as Governor of Oyo State was a turning point that blazed the trail for the emergence of Ibadan indigenes as Governor of Oyo State.

He said, “We will recall that this was a most defining moment when the Ibadans voted for one of their own and true to his name Victor, he became victorious in the gubernatorial electoral battle of 1983. Though short-lived, his tenure was a significant watershed for Oyo State politics.

“Chief Olunloyo, who also held the titles of Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, passed away in the early hours of Sunday.

“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo, was the first Rector, Ibadan Polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, among other notable appointments. His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to the Olubadan Palace, even as his family and the entire nation come to terms with the reality of his passing.”

In the same vein, Oba Olakulehin condoled the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State, Nigeria and members of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) on the demise of Alhaji Adeojo,

Alhaji Adeojo, a founding father of the PDP in Oyo State, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP who held the prestigious title of Seriki Musulumi of Yorubaland passed on in the early hours of last Friday.

“Alhaji Yekeen Adeojo was a prominent businessman, industrialist and philanthropist. He contributed immensely to the economic development of Ibadanland and Oyo State employing thousands, championing many charitable and philanthropic endeavours.

“ As a politician, he was a bridge builder and well respected as a political figure across Nigeria. A devout muslim, the Islamic community will miss his commitment and devotion to the promotion of the Islamic religion”, the statement read.

Oba Olakulehin then prayed for the repose of their souls and the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses by their immediate and extended families as well as Ibadan and Oyo State indigenes.