’Odulana was fourth longest serving monarch of Ibadan’
ELDEST son of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, Prof Femi Lana, yesterday said his father was the fourth longest-serving monarch of the ancient city.
Lana, who spoke when he hosted the management of the University of Ibadan (UI), led by Prof Idowu Olayinka, at the Monatan home of the late Oba, said the family was grateful to God that it did not have to take their father from one hospital to another before his death.
The expert noted that it was by God’s grace his father lived for over 100 years.
He urged Ibadan residents to pray for the family, adding that their patriarch would be sorely missed.
Prof Olayinka recalled that the late monarch visited the vice-chancellor’s office the last time he was at the institution.
He said: “The late Olubadan was one of the natives who were instrumental to the release of the land on which the institution was built to the colonial government.
“Right from the beginning of the institution, he showed tremendous interest in the activities of the institution and will remain one of the towering figures in the history of UI.”
Describing the late monarch as one of the pillars of the modern Ibadan and Nigeria, Olayinka noted that “even when he was frail in health, he continued to encourage the enthronement of good governance in Nigeria through intellectual discourses and contributions”.
The senator representing Oyo Central in the National Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu, described the late Olubadan as a monarch with enviable virtues.
Oyo Central Senatorial District comprises Lagelu Local Government Area, where Oba Odulana was born and lived till his death on January 19.
Sunmonu described the late Olubadan as one of her biggest constituents.
She said: “Oba Odulana was a man of good reputation, a ruler who spent his life serving Ibadan and Nigeria meritoriously. He was a father anyone could rely on because of his forthrightness, courage and candour. He was very popular among his people and Nigeria
“As one of my highly responsible constituents, Kabiyesi will be sorely missed.”
Also, a former House of Representatives Minority Whip Babatunde Oduyoye commiserated with Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the family of the Olubadan and Ibadan residents on the death of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1.
Oduyoye, who is also the Chairman of the Media Committee of Save Democracy Group Africa and Coordinator of Generation Next, a pressure group, said the news of the frontline monarch’s death came to him as a shock.
He said rather than mourn him, he urged Ibadan residents to thank God for enabling the late Oba enjoy a good life.
In a statement in Ibadan, the former lawmaker said:
“Oba Odulana was a peacemaker, astute administrator, a politician, parliamentarian and an educationist, whose achievements will forever leave indelible marks in the annals of Ibadan history as well as the country.
“He was a courageous man who protected the dignity of the Olubadan stool and ensured that the traditional institution of the country was well respected and honored.
“Oba Odulana was a role model. From his days at the House of Assembly and House of Representatives till his time as the Olubadan, his teachings on moral conduct and Christianity will forever be remembered. He was a worthy man whose life will be a source of inspiration to the coming generations.”
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