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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has described the sudden death of Ekefa Olubadan, Senior Chief Lateef Oyelade, as a great loss to social, religion and traditional system of Ibadan land.
The monarch, in a statement made available to newsmen by his Personal Assistant on Media, Oladele Ogunsola, expressed shock and bewilderment by the sad news, asking the Almighty Allah to forgive his late chief of all his shortcomings.
Recalling the last interactions between the two of them about two weeks ago, Olubadan said Oyelade’s death was shocking as nothing suggested that the meeting would be their last.
“Aside our relationship in the traditional system, we shared brotherly relationship as he remained among the few that would visit just to check on me and my welfare and not necessarily for any favour or assistance regarding his role and post in the traditional system.
“He was also always available to give robust and effective representation anytime he was called upon by the palace to represent me. A very deep religious person, a philanthropist and well composed personality, he possessed very good sense of judgement. He is going to be sorely missed,” the monarch said.
Oba Balogun commiserated with both the immediate and extended families of the late senior chief, Ibadan traditional institution, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Muslim community and the generality of Ibadan sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, with a charge to appreciate the Almighty Allah for the good life led by the late religious and traditional leader.
“The death is a painful loss and another exit of a committed, loyal and steadfast Ibadan patriot. We are going to miss him. We, however, give thanks to the Almighty Allah for giving him to us and for recalling him home at his appointed time. I pray the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanat Fridaus and comfort all,” the monarch added.
Oyelade, the Babaasale Musulumi of Ibadan land was until his demise early Friday morning member of the Otun line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system, where he rose to the exalted office of Ekefa, just a step to becoming a high chief and member of the Olubadan Advisory Council.