Tributes pour in for Olubadan at service of songs

FINAL rites of passage for the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade commenced yesterday as tributes poured in for the late monarch at the service of songs held at the Cathedral of St Peters Aremo. Governor Abiola Ajimobi said Oba Odulana not only contributed to the development of Ibadan but the nation at large.

He described the late Olubadan as a man who lived a meaningful life worthy of emulation in all spheres‎.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo said: “We all know that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana, lived a meaningful life and he had contributed immensely to the development, not only of Ibadan land, but the whole of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. Everybody should emulate him.
“So, let us live our lives as if we are going to die the next day.”

Earlier, the Provost of the Cathedral, Venerable Adewale Adebiyi, who drew his sermon from Luke 12: 16-22, enjoined the people to open their hearts to Christ reminding them that they would all be called to account for their deeds.

In their contributions, dignitaries at the event described Oba Odulana as an honest and fearless monarch.
Senior Chief Emiola Adesina, described the deceased as “an honest, selfless, brave person; lover of his fellow men, a devour Christian and a disciplinarian”.

Another senior chief, Lateef Oyelade disclosed that when he crossed from the Seriki Line to the Olubadan Line, he had to give certain amount of money to all the existing chiefs, but that the deceased who was then a senior chief declined collecting his.

Oba Odulana who died on January 19, 2016 at 101 years ‎after spending nine years on the throne will be buried on Friday.