Two years after he attracted the same for his centenary birthday, the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 on Friday attracted the creme-de-la-creme of the society to the city as his body was interred.
The presence of top political leaders, leaders of thought, captains of industry, academia and traditional rulers practically shut down the city for hours, while Oba Odulana’s funeral ceremonies lasted.
Eminent personalities from all walks of life joined the chief mourner, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, to bid the monarch farewell.
Leading the dignitaries was President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Also in attendance at the church service were governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun ).
Oyo State Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, also joined his boss to receive guests.
The Minister of Communication, Barr. Bayo Shittu, and his Ministry of Health counterpart, Prof. Isaac Adewole, also joined the service.
Others included a former Governor of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Chief Harry Akande, wife of a former Oyo State Governor, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja and Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN).
Others are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Michael Adeyemo; state Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Akin Oke; senators, members of the House of Representatives and prominent Ibadan elders.
Other dignitaries at the service included former governors of Oyo State, Gen David Jemibewon, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala and Chief Omololu Olunloyo.
Emeritus Prof. Oladapo Akinkugbe; former Head of Service of the federation, Prof Oladapo Afolabi; President, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Pastor Abraham Akinosun; Archbishop of the Catholic Church, Ibadan Diocese, Archbishop Leke Abegunrin; Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN); Sen. Soji Akanbi; members of the Olubadan-In -Council and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly were also in attendance.
The service was held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, where the late monarch worshipped till old age.
Paying glowing tributes to the late traditional ruler, President Buhari called on Nigerians to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Oba Odulana, describing him as an epitome of honesty and dignity.
He said the departed monarch exhibited the fear of God throughout his lifetime.
In his remarks, Governor Ajimobi also extolled the virtues of the late monarch.
He said Oba Odulana possessed exemplary attributes.
Ajimobi said Oba Odulana left indelible marks in politics, civil service, military and other leadership positions he was privileged to occupy before his ascension to the throne.
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