President Muhammadu Buhari has mourned the exit of Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade 111, who joined his ancestors on Sunday.
The revered monarch was reported to have passed away in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 95 years.
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Femi Adesina on Sunday quoted Buhari as saying the late monarch would be remembered for his wise counsel.
It said: “The President commiserates with the Government and people of Oyo State and especially the indigenes of Ogbomosoland on the demise of the frontline traditional ruler whose reign of 48 years reinforced the town as a land of peace, accommodating and a bastion of history and tradition.
“President Buhari also joins the Oyo State Council of Obas in mourning the First Class Traditional ruler, who will forever be remembered for his counsel and commitment to the unity and harmony within their ranks.
“He urges sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland to be consoled with the fact that Oba Oyewumi accentuated his reign with the development and progress of the community through enduring peace and extension of hands of fellowship to peoples of other lands.”
The lawmaker representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Senator Teslim Folarin has also condoled with the Royal family of Soun and the entire people of Ogbomoso on the irreparable loss.
The lawmaker who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Local Content in a statement issued on Sunday described the monarch as an extraordinary and committed leader who sought the development of his people during his 48-year reign.
Folarin also prayed God Almighty to overlook the shortcomings of the late monarch and grant him Aljana Fridauz.
The statement reads, “The highly revered monarch will be long remembered for his towering role and dedication to improving the lives and aspirations of the people of Ogbomoso and Oyo State at large.
“During the late Soun’s almost five decades reign, Ogbomoso produced first democratically elected deputy governor and governor of Oyo State. His reign also witnessed numerous unprecedented achievements and developments.”
Oba Ajagungbade III was born Prince Jimoh Oladunni Oyewumi on May 27, 1926 into the Royal House of Oluwusi in the town of Ogbomosho to the reigning king, Oba Bello Afolabi Oyewumi, Ajagungbade I and Seliat Olatundun Oyewumi.
He ascended the throne of his forefathers on October 24, 1973, as the 20th Soun of Ogbomoso.
