October 14, 2020 mark four years remembrance of the immediate past Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade, Adeyelu II, JP,FCA,F.C.A.C.A,F.C.I.T,F.C.I.S who joined his ancestors on Friday, October 14, 2016 at the age of 80. Although, Olugbon can never die and like the other revered stools in the classical Yoruba kingdom, occupants can only change mortality for immortality. As one king makes the voyage into the land of the spirits the stool must be occupied by another mortal who would pick up from where the immortalized king stopped in the leadership of the people.
As a Secretary/Personal Assistant to the late monarch, the office I still have the privilege to occupy in the wheel of activities of the incumbent Olugbon. I just have to put pen on paper to write for his remembrance. The irony of life is that, whose knows who will remember you and I in this manner when we are no more on this planet earth? Because, people forget dead easily, especially the good ones.
The motive behind this write-up is to appreciate the good legacy left by Osunbade. The late Oba’s story was one of a man who moved his town from grass to grace. He played a very significant role in the development of Orile-Igbon. Oba Osunbade’s level of commitment to the development of the town was immeasurable; he used personal wealth, influence and energy to develop Orile-Igbon which today is far better than where he met it in 1992 when he became Olugbon. In a nutshell, the town flourished under his watch. Although, Oba Adegboyega Osunbade is no more, but, his gigantic contributions to the growth and development of Orile-Igbon cannot be easily forgotten, evidences abound at Igbon to proof this. ‘The lion’ is no more, but his legacy will endure. His footprint in the sounds of time will remain ineffaceable. Honestly, if you see me carrying a lantern in broad daylight, do not be surprised, I am searching for another ‘Oba Osunbade’, fortunately! Oba Francis Olushola Alao has mounted the throne as the 22nd Olugbon of the ancient town of Igbon Kingdom. Meanwhile, with the volume of litigation over Olugbon’s stool in the court. The new monarch don’t need to be crucified, he can be a ‘Messiah’. The most important thing for Oba Alao is to sustain the legacy built by Osunbade.
As a human being, the late Oba might have his shortcomings. It is therefore, not an exaggeration to say that, Oba Adegboyega Osunbade lived a very good life, the peace and progress that characterized his reign boosted the development of the town. Although, the cold hands of death didn’t allows him to enjoy most of the works he sweat and struggled for. Notwithstanding, as we remember him today. May his patriotic soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen!
SUNDAY OGUNKUADE
OGBOMOSO
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