The former Deputy Governor and People’s Democratic party Chieftain in Oyo State, His Excellency Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, today Sunday 2nd of January, commiserated with members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the family, friends, associates, subjects and the government and people of Oyo over the transition of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu, saying the nation and most especially the Yoruba race has lost a rare gem.
In a condolence message signed by his Special Assistance on Media and Publicity, Olaniyi Stephen, Gbolarumi said the late first class monarch will be sorely missed for his fatherly role and advice, describing his demise as a great loss to the nation.
Gbolarumi said: “I received the news of the passing away of Olubadan of Ibadan Land with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.
The Olubadan died 22 days after the death of another prominent monarch in Oyo State – Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi.
Adetunji, who was crowned the 41st Olubadan on March 4, 2016, was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan..
He was the first of 17 children of his parents.
He grew up learning vocational jobs until he took up fashion designing as a means of living after moving into Lagos.
While working as a fashion designer, Adetunji delved into musical record marketing until 1960 when he founded his first of three record label imprints called Baba Laje Records which housed notable fuji music acts, including Dauda Epo-Akara and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall.
Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land.
He commiserated with the family of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the deceased family, friends, associates and the entire indigenes of the ancient city on the demise of the high chief.
