“I’m proud to call Olubada my own father” – Buhari
– President Muhammadu Buhari has eulogized traditional monarch Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I.
– He said the deceased monarch as an example for all Nigerians to follow in their daily lives.
– Chief mourner, governor Abiola Ajimobi, described Oba Odugade as the “quintessential patriot.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, has called on Nigerians to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I as the remains of the deceased monarch were interred in Ibadan, Oyo state.
The monarch’s family, state government officials, and noted civilians had gathered to give the royal father a heroic burial at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan after he died aged 101.
Along with chief mourner and host, governor and senator Abiola Ajimobi, the governors of Osun, Lagos and Ogun states, Rauf Aregbesoa, Akinwumi Ambode, and senator Ibikunle Amosun respectively were in attendance, as well as the communications minister Adebayo Shittu.
Oba Odulana died aged 101 after a brief illness
Buhari said that the departed monarch exhibited the fear of God throughout his lifetime and described him as the epitome of honesty and dignity.
The president stressed the need for Nigerians to work towards being celebrated while alive and to leave a good legacy after death.
“The whole of Nigeria is proud to have the like of the late Oba Odulana because of his life of honesty and forthrightness,” he said.
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“I hope we all can imbibe such a Spartan life so that we can be celebrated like him.
I’m proud to call him my own father. He was a king who earned the respect of all through his life of dedication and service to humanity,” the president said.
In his remarks, Governor Ajimobi paid glowing tribute to what he called the exemplary attributes of the late traditional ruler.
Governor Ajimboi spoke warmly of the deceased monarch
The governor said that Oba Odulana left an indelible mark in the areas of politics, civil service, military and other leadership positions he was privileged to occupy before his ascension to the throne.
“Let us remember with pride that Kabiyesi was a quintessential patriot and nationalist who served meritoriously with dignity and transparency in all the positions that he was privileged to attain in his lifetime,” Ajimobi said.
“Let me recall with nostalgia and affection how Kabiyesi supported our administration’s urban renewal programme and how he appreciated our efforts at improving on the beautification of Ibadan in particular and Oyo state in general.”
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In his sermon, Most Reverend Olusegun Okubadejo said the myriad of orations and tributes from different categories of people were testimonies to the fact that the revered monarch had secured his place in heaven.
The priest called on those present to recognize their need to live a life that would guarantee them good names and legacies after their death.
“The most recurring attributes mentioned in the orations were of his courage, discipline and aversion for corruption which is common in the present Nigeria,” Okubadejo said.
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