President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday led other top government officials to pay tributes to late Deji of Akure, King Adebiyi Adesida, who died earlier in the day at 63 years.
“On behalf of himself and the Federal Government, President Goodluck Jonathan commiserates with Governor Olusegun Mimiko, the people of Akure and Ondo State on the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida”, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati wrote in a statement.
“President Jonathan also extends sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the late monarch who ascended the throne of his forefathers in August 2010. As they mourn Oba Adesida who has sadly had sadly passed on just a little over three years after his coronation, the President urges them to take solace in the belief that God’s will is unquestionable and must always prevail.
“President Jonathan assures Governor Mimiko, the late monarch’s family and the people of Akure of his sympathy and solidarity with them as they grieve over Oba Adesida’s death. He prays that God Almighty will comfort them all and grant the late Oba’s soul peaceful repose”.
Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko described news of Oba Adesida’s demise as shocking to the marrow, not because the eventuality of his death was unknown, but because he was vibrant, agile, and had an aura of health and life around him.
“The tiger has fallen into a deep sleep. He was a true leader and a devout servant of God. He wrote his name in gold in the history of Akure Kingdom and the state within his short reign. The people have lost a great father, whose love for the kingdom is unparalleled”, Mimko said.
“We are yet to come to terms with this sad news and fathom the gap his demise will leave in our lives. The tiger has fallen into a deep sleep. This elephant has fallen. Oba Afunbiowo II has gone to the place of his forebears. We mourn him; we will miss him. We pray to God to grant the monarch’s family and subjects the fortitude to bear the loss”.
Governor of Oyo, Abiola Ajimobi commiserated with the people of Akure and the Ondo State government, describing the late Deji as a good monarch who would be sorely missed by the people and his friends.
“I am indescribably shocked by the passing of the highly respected monarch. He was my personal friend of many years and I confirm the words of encomium that are being showered on him for the wonderful leadership he offered the people of Akureland and Ondo State in general during his brief reign as the Deji”, Ajimobi said.
“He was our good son, who happened to have come from the royal lineage of Akureland. He was a man who never belittled his friends and treated all equally. We will miss his gentle kindred spirit and love for his people”.
In similar vein, Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun expressed shock at Deji’s demise, saying: “He was a true patriot, who served his people well. Our sincere condolences and sympathy are with the government and people of Ondo State, and the Ojijigogun royal family at this sad time”.
Meanwhile, the Akure National Union, Ibadan chapter, has cancelled its monthly meeting in honour of the late the monarch. President of the union, Prof. Abiodun Ayodele of the Department of Botany, University of Ibadan (UI), said the Oba’s passage is a monumental loss to Akureland, Ondo State and Nigeria, as he was an embodiment of humility, love and passion for the development of the ancient city.
“Sons and daughters of Akureland are very shocked at the news of the passage of our king. He was well respected and revered. We had very robust relationship with him as he was one of us while sojourning in Ibadan.
“Akureland witnessed tremendous progress during the late Oba Adesida’s short reign, such as renovation of the palace and the modern development he has brought to the traditional institution, especially the building of a new palace, a mosque and a church inside the palace, as some of his achievements.
“We commiserate with all sons and daughters of Akureland, the Akure Traditional Council and the governor on this transition. May God give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.
