Dignitaries from various walks of life on Wednesday gathered at Abanla in Oluyole Local Government of Oyo State to paid their last respect at the 8-day fidau ceremony of the late Alaba of Abanla, Oba Tiamiyu Oladipupo.
The event was attended by prominent traditional rulers, politicians, and business leaders, who came to honored the memory of the late monarch.
Some of the dignitaries include former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by his wife, Alhaja Rashidat Ladoja, President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indegens (CCII), Barrister Niyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji, Asimiyu Ariori and Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiatives (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade.
Other notable attendees included popular Islamic cleric, Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello, former CCII President General, Chief Yemi Soladoye, SA to governor Makinde on security, Fatai Owoseni, Royal Majesties, and Royal Highness among others.
Also in attendance was AIG Sikiru Akande (rtd), who currently is the Chairman of Amotekun Security Corps, Oyo State, CP Bolaji Salami (rtd), Olori Rashidat Adetunji, wife of late Olubadan Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Chairman National Lottery Commission, Abuja, Hon Babs Oduyoye, Ex- SA to Governor Seyi Makinde, Hon Dare Adeleke, SA to Governor Seyi Makinde on Federal Constituencies, a PDP chieftain, Alhaji Tunde Tijani Double T, Engr Akeem Adetunji, Chairman Oluyole Local Government.
Eminent Nigerians at the event also include the Timi of EDE represented by Obas and chiefs from Osun state, Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, Agba Akin of Egbaland, Alhaji Abiola Alli, former President of Ajorosun Club, Alhaji Kunle Junaid, Director of Production Services, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, as well as Royal fathers across Ibadanland and traditional Baales in Ibadanland.
In his remarks, Oba Barrister Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin urged children of the deceased to uphold legacies of their father, saying the legacies the deceased left behind must not die.
CCII President General, Barrister Niyi Ajewole described the late Oba Tiamiyu Oladipupo as a peace-loving and development-oriented monarch who worked tirelessly for the progress of his community.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.
One of the son of the deceased, who is a retired Assitant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Abdulfatai Oladipupo said he can not forget his father because of his kidness, saying despite not been a rich person, yet, he sent all his children to school.
He said the family has lost a ralying point and unifier of the family but optimistic that the soul and spirit of the deceased will remained with the family, adding that the deceased was a trailblazer because he was crowned twice while alive.
Another son of the deceased, Dr. Olaide Oladipupo described the deceased as a good man, God’s fearing, honest, truthful, generous, kind-hearted, highly religious and philosophical person while alive.
He said the family will realy missed him for the exemplary life he lived because the deceased despite his old age never go into demenesia which makes him to remember everything vividly including date and times.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Muyideen Ajani Bello in his sermon urged people to always do good, saying “no matter how long we live, we shall die ne day.
He said, “What matter most is what people will be saying about us when we die.”
The fidau ceremony, which marked the eighth day of the late monarch’s passing, was a fitting tribute to his memory, with eulogies, prayers, and cultural performances that celebrated his life and legacy.
The event was a testament to the respect and admiration he commanded during the reign of the deceased as the Alaba of Abanla.
