Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says the wise counsel and rich experience of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III will be sorely missed.
The former Nigerian leader stated this in his condolence message over the demise of the foremost traditional ruler who joined his ancestors on Friday.
As earlier reported by Naija News, Oba Adeyemi died on Friday at the age of 83 after reining for 52 years.
Reacting, Obasanjo in a letter addressed to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde commiserated with the entire people of Oyo, the family, and other stakeholders over the death of the monarch.
He described the late traditional ruler as “a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.
Obasanjo also commended the late monarch as someone who promoted the unity of Nigeria and stood for the right things.
“I note, with delight, Oba Adeyemi’s immense contributions to peace, community development and growth and national development, especially since his ascension to the revered throne of Alaafin of Oyo, nearly 52 years ago.
“As a patriotic and highly respected traditional ruler who had immeasurable love for his people and great faith in a united Nigeria, he stood out as a voice of forthrightness in national affairs and he was as well a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding not only among the diverse people who live in his domain but also across the country.
“It is well acknowledged that it was during his reign that Oyo Town got transformed to the modern city that it has become today and not surprisingly, his contribution to nation-building was also acknowledged in the conferment of the esteemed national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on him and other honorary degrees that he received from some Nigerian and outside educational institutions,” the statement reads.
This article was originally published on Nigeria News