SYMPATHISERS including some eminent indigenes of Ikorodu, yesterday besieged the palace of the paramount ruler of Ikorodu, the Ayangburen, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi (Oguntade II), to pay their condolences.
The Oba died in London on Saturday at the age of 83 after months of battling ill-health.
Among the visitors were former Commissioner for Information in Lagos State, Lateef Ibirogba, Aremo Taiwo Alimi, Chief Olatunji Oyetayo, Baale of Eyitan, Chief Odubote, Oke Baale of Magodo, Chief Orepitan, Ajagun Baale of Ebanlo and Chief A.K Solomon Baale of Majidun/Awori.
A condolence register was yet to be opened at the time of this report.
However, speaking, the first daughter of the deceased, Princess Adeyinka Oyefusi, described the late monarch as kind-hearted, easy going and well-read who would be greatly missed by all.
She said her father was very sound and agile until his last moments, adding “my father always thanked God regardless of the situation. I am proud of him as a father. I cannot say he is no more because his legacies are there.’’
When SocietyGists sought to know the reason behind the delay in opening the condolence register, she said ‘’I do not want to comment on that but I assure you the condolence register is in progress.’’
He was a role model- Widow
Widow of the deceased, Olori Taibat Oyefusi, described the late monarch as a role model, whose vacuum would not be easy to fill.
Her words: ‘’My husband was a role model who was worthy of emulation. He only struggled to put things in order in the town but served earnestly to see others grow and become what God has made them.”
A custodian of cultural heritage – Commissioner
Also speaking with SocietyGists yesterday, a commissioner in-charge of Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission, Sanmi Odesanya, said the monarch’s death was unfortunate, saying ‘’I have lost a guardian, father and mentor who I knew from childhood. Since he ascended the throne in 1970, Ikorodu had witnessed tremendous achievements incomparable with any other community in the state. He was a custodian of our traditions and cultural heritage throughout his life time, a businessman and a traditional ruler who I pray to God to give a hardworking successor.’’