By Adeleye Kunle
Another traditional ruler in Oyo State, the Aseyin of Iseyin land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinese Ologunebi I has passed on after a prolonged illness.
Oba Saludeen Adekunle’s passing brings the number of monarchs that recently transitioned to join their ancestors across the state, to four.
Other prominent traditional rulers that had joined their ancestors in Oyo state were the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi who died December 12, 2021; Oba Saliu Adetunji, the immediate past Olubadan, who also died January 2, 2022. Also, the 45th Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi also died in April this year, among others.
Before his death, the traditional ruler had been in and out of hospital over an undisclosed ailment that affected his ability to perform his responsibilities in the kingdom.
It was learnt that the monarch passed on at the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday after medical experts tried in vain, to keep him responsive.
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde
A source from the palace said internment arrangements have commenced and the monarch may be buried on Monday after his evacuation from Ibadan to Iseyin.
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Sunday, described the transition of the Aseyin of Iseyin as shocking and painful.
Makinde in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, indicated that his commiserated with the Aseyin-in-Council and the entire Iseyin community as well as the traditional council in the state.
“His death is another great loss among the ranks of leading traditional rulers in our dear state. This death is painful and shocking, but we can only submit to the will of the Almighty God, who alone has the power over life and death.”
“Again, Oyo State has lost an exemplary royal father and a true believer in the progress and development of Oyo State.”
“Oba Salau worked with the vigour and aggression of a change agent, who would stop at nothing to achieve a positive turnaround of his society.”
“He made the business of developing and repositioning Iseyin his passionate goal and he achieved same in his close to two decades of royal leadership.”
“I express heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Aseyin of Iseyinland, the Aseyin-in-Council and the sons and daughters of Iseyinland.”
“I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and pray to God to spare the lives of all its members.”
Iseyin is an ancient Yoruba town located in northern Oyo State, about 91 km to the capital Ibadan.
