Ajimobi, Ladoja mourn Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Femi Olaifa

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and a former governor of the state, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja have expressed sadness over the death of Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Olufemi Olaifa.

The duo described the passing away of the former Adviser to former President Sheu Sagari as “shocking”.

Ajimobi in a statement issued and made available to DAILY POST on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, described the passing away of the Ibadan High Chief as shocking and depressing.

High Chief Olaifa, a Veterinary Doctor died on Thursday at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He would also have been crowned as an Oba on Sunday (tomorrow) alongside other members of the council, who were recently elevated from high chiefs to beaded-crown wearing traditional rulers.

Ajimobi said, “I received the news of the passing away of High Chief Femi Olaifa with shock. I am greatly saddened and devastated by this unfortunate incident. He will be sorely missed.

“Chief Olaifa was bubbling with life when he and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council came to my office on a courtesy visit last Monday. There was no sign that I was seeing this ebullient and patriotic Ibadan leader for the last time.

“He was a consummate and highly revered royalty who played an active role at a meeting between the Olubadan-in-Council and the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters on Wednesday.

“His death is a personal loss to me, because he was an ardent supporter of our administration since inception. He was always offering useful advice; all of which have contributed immensely to the modest achievements we have recorded so far.

“Besides, the late Chief Olaifa was one of the high chiefs who threw their weight behind the Olubadan chieftaincy declaration review currently being carried out by our administration.

“Having been convinced about the merits of the exercise and our sincerity of purpose, he had insisted that we should not look back having been satisfied that the exercise was in the overall interest of Ibadanland”.

He commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso 1, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the deceased family, friends, associates and the entire indigenes of the ancient city on the demise of the high chief.

While thanking the late flamboyant High Chief for what he described as his invaluable support for his administration, Ajimobi prayed that Allah should grant him aljanah firdaus.

Ladoja in a condolence message issued on his behalf by his Media Aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo, however, declared that the deceased would be surely missed for his lofty aspiration for Ibadanland.

He condoled with the family, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Olubadan-in-Council, while praying for the repose of the soul of the departed High Chief and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.