The APC chief, who showered eulogies on the late Olubadan during a condolence visit to his Monatan, Ibadan, private residence, on Sunday, added that his modest lifestyle is worthy of emulation by the country's traditional institution.
He was in company with the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Speaker of the state, Mr. Michael Adeyemo; former interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande; National Vice Chairman, South-West of the party, Chief Pius Akinyelure; State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, among others.
The team was received by the Olubadan-in council, led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun; and Otun Balogun, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; as well as the children of the late foremost traditional ruler, led by Prof. Femi Lana.
Tinubu said that Oba Odulana would be remembered for his moral support for the governorship ambition of Ajimobi and his administration's programmes and policies, climaxing with the conferment of a chieftaincy title of Atunluse on the governor.
He recalled that the late Olubadan did not hide his satisfaction and backing for the Ajimobi-led administration's urban renewal and operation clean-up Ibadan; a city, he said, was dotted with heaps of refuse before Ajimobi mounted the saddle.
Tinubu said, "Our late Baba lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation by our traditional institution. He was fearless, courageous and incorruptible. We are proud of his Spartan lifestyle and discipline, including that of his children.
"Kabiyesi loved Ajimobi and I can say that he was one of his staunch backers for the governorship ticket. His support for the governor and his programmes, especially the urban renewal and cleanliness we are now witnessing in Ibadan, was without bounds.
"Ibadan was full of filths and heaps of refuse before Ajimobi became governor, but he cleaned up the city. Kabiyesi was so impressed by this, just like many of us, that he conferred the title of Atunluse on Ajimobi. We are proud of the governor's achievements.
But for its clean environment, he said that Ibadan could have been ravaged by the latest Lassa fever outbreak that had claimed more than 60 lives across the country.
Tinubu expressed delight with the agelong seamless Olubadan of Ibadanland succession process, which, he said, would have been a worthy model for political succession, but for what he called the intrigues and do-or-die phenomenon introduced into the country's politics.
He said, "Olubadan of Ibadanland succession process is very impressive and unique. When one Olubadan joins his ancestors, the city already knows the successor through the hierarchy. How I wish we politicians can adopt this model of succession.
"But this can hardly be possible because of some people's belief in do-or-die politics and because some politicians are in politics for reasons other than service to the people."
Responding on behalf of the palace, the Otun Olubadan said the Olubadan-in-council and the people of Ibadan felt highly honoured for the visit, adding that the council was proud of Ajimobi and his support for the palace before and after the death of the Olubadan.
Balogun said it was "heartwarming" that Oba Odulana was on the throne and died when "the son of the soil" (an Ibadan indigene) was the governor.
Written by NEWSTRAWL ONLINE UPDATE
Sodiq Oyeleke is a Media, Human Resources, Project Management and Public Relations Practitioner
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