The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has died at 93 years old.
The monarch died on Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan.
His burial on Sunday witnessed the presence of a mammoth crowd and sympathisers who thronged Mapo hall and Popoyemoja Palace of the late traditional ruler.
While his body was been taken to Mapo Hall for prayers, scores of residents were seen in groups discussing the demise of the traditional ruler.
Ninety-three-year-old Oba Adetunji, who ascended the throne in March 2016, died early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Olubadan’s death brought to four, the numbers of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers that had joined their ancestors in the last three weeks.
This is as 95-year-old Soun of Ogbomoso in Oyo State, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, died on December 12; the Asigangan of Iganganland in Oyo State, Oba Abdul-Azeez Adewuyi Aribiyan II, also died on December 21.
The Gbiri Of Epinmi Akoko in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Ade Oyekan, also joined his ancestors on December 27 at 60.
The late Oba Adetunji was the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, following his coronation on March 4, 2016.
In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Sunday in Abuja, the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), declared that the late traditional ruler was “a visionary and compassionate leader”.
Buhari said that the late traditional ruler used his influence as a respected chief and a lover of the creative industry to advance the progress of his people, encouraging and motivating them to give their best to the nation.
According to him, the demise of the royal father “understandably leaves a huge void to fill”.
He urged the people of Ibadan and Nigerians from different walks of life to honour the eternal memory of the deceased by imbibing virtues like generosity, peace, tolerance and devotion to unity which he cherished so much.
“The president believes that as the funeral rites of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland get underway, the process of selecting his successor will be guided by wisdom, understanding, and good judgment that exemplified the life he lived,” the statement said.
