Eminent Nigerians Pour Encomiums On Olubadan At Burial

EMINENT Nigerians yesterday gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State capital to bid a final farewell to the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade.Oba Odulana died on January 19, 2016 at the age of 101.

The Federal Government delegation to the funeral service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s, Aremo, was led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and his Communications counterpart, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu.

Others included Governors Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.Osinbajo in his address, which was laced with songs of gratitude to God for the life the late Odulana led, said the late monarch lived a credible, worthy and fulfilling life.

Osinbajo described the deceased monarch as a forthright and honest man whose credibility could not be questioned having won elections as an independent candidate about five times.

He noted that for someone to live up to 101 years and have people who speak glowingly of him is worthy of praise to God.
“This nation is proud to have had such a person amongst us. The life of Oba Odulana was a demonstration that it is possible to live with honesty, forthrightness and without soiling our hands,” Osinbajo said.

The Vice President enjoined Nigerians to live worthy and meaningful lives so as to be celebrated at death.
“As we mourn and celebrate Oba Odulana, it is my prayer that the future would be greater for Ibadan, Oyo and the nation at large,” he noted.

Governor Ajimobi in his tribute said Oba Odulana witnessed history by sharing in the birth of a new Nigeria.
“He changed history by his numerous contributions to the development of Ibadan and the nation at large and made history as the 40th Olubadan, the only royal father to have lived for over a century.

“We mourn your transition because of your many positive contributions to Ibadan, Oyo and Nigeria as a whole. Were you to be alive, you would have been at the forefront in the fight against corruption by President Buhari.”
Ajimobi said the service was a celebration of the life of Oba Odulana, noting that although the song is ended, the melody lives on.

“We celebrate the great deeds of this great man; we honour his exemplary and peaceful reign. He was a teacher, soldier, administrator, philanthropist, politician, statesman and a quintessential patriot who served with dignity and transparency,” Ajimobi added.

In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Rev Segun Okubadejo said looking at Oba Odulana’s life, the testimonies and tributes, it could be rightly said that he was a man after God’s heart.

The cleric described Oba Odulana as courageous, fearless and loving during his lifetime.He said that throughout the over 60 years when he was in active politics, there was no report of corruption about him.

Citing the book of Acts 13: 22, 26, Okubadejo said the late Odulana served God in spirit and in truth.“He never lived a reckless life; he left after playing his part,” he said.

Okubadejo tasked the people to emulate the virtues of the late Olubadan, saying no matter how well and long we lived, we shall all die someday.

“Oba Odulana prepared himself for eternal life. Most Nigerians live as if they would never die. The way some people amass wealth is worrisome. They forget that we shall all die someday. Let us learn to number our days so that we can do what is right.”