By Ibrahim Sheriff (Gold)
The late Olupo of Abase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Atanda Woleola (Ilufemiloye II) has continued to receive tributes from far and near, with people across traditional, political, government and corporate classes eulogizing the life and times of the monarch, who passed on Sunday 21st December, 2021.
Topping the list is Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara state, who described His Royal Highness the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Olupo “as a great man, a lover of his people, and an inimitable king under whom his people and community blossomed.
The Governor said “His disposition to peace, harmony and development explains the love and wide acceptance he enjoyed from far and wide as a monarch,” according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Ajakaye.
The Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu for his part, described the death of Oba Sikiru Woleola II, the late Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, “as a monumental loss to traditional institution in the state”, describing him as “a great king who dedicated his life to the service of his people, he was a community builder, he did so without discrimination.”
In a related development, the Elesa of Oke-Ode, Oba Abdulkadir Adelodun Alebiosu II, also commiserated with members of the Olupo-in-Council the people of Ajase-Ipo, Gov. AbdulRazaq and Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari over the demise of a foremost traditional ruler, Olupo of Ajase-Ipo.
In a condolence message personally signed by him and made available to the press by the Public Relations Officer of the Community, Mr. Kunle Akogun, the Elesa described the late Olupo “as a sagacious ruler who always listened to the advice of his subjects with a view to meeting their yearnings and aspirations”.
The Elesa said added that “the late Oba Woleola also proved his sagacity in the progressive manner he presided over the affairs of the Igbomina Traditional Council of which he was Chairman throughout his 12- years reign,” remarking that the Council would sorely miss the late first class monarch.
Similarly, the Igbomina Professionals Association (IPA) has described the sudden death of Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Atanda Sanni Woleola Ilufemiloye II as very painful and sad loss to the Ajase-Ipo community and the entire Igbominaland as a whole.
In a condolence message jointly signed by its President and Publicity Secrerary, Barrister Bayo Atoyebi and Mr. Kunle Akogun, respectively, the Association lamented that the death of the first class monarch, who is also the Chairman of the Igbomina Traditional Council, has robbed Igbominaland of a true bridge builder and passionate lover of his people.
While commiserating with the Ajase-Ipo community, the Association urged the indigenes of the town to take solace in the fact that the late royal father led a life of great service to his fatherland.
The Kwara state Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa has also described the late Olupo’s over a decade reign as one that brought peace and massive development to Ajase -Ipo. He was loved by his people for his fairness and forthrightness.
Bolarinwa said “His departure is therefore a very sore point for us his admirers and all those who looked up to him.
