The remains of the 20th Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, were interred on Sunday in the palace, according to Islamic rites.
The Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, Tholiat Ayilara led other Muslim clerics in the prayer which held around 4.30 p.m.
Scores of sympathisers from across Oyo state thronged to the palace since the news of the death of Oyewunmi filtered into town. The 95-year-old Oyewunmi joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday. Some of the early dignitaries that paid condolence visit to the palace on Sunday were Rauf Olaniyan, the State Deputy Governor, former governors Rasheed Ladoja and Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Others were Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Ayoade Adeseun, and Segun Ogunwuyi, the Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde.
Residents were in a mournful mood over the unexpected death of the Oba, whom many described as a lover of peace, whose 48 years reign witnessed tremendous growth and development of the town.
In his condolence, Alao-Akala described the death of the monarch as a personal loss. In a statement he made available to journalists on Sunday in Ibadan, Alao-Akala said: “The sudden demise of my father and traditional ruler of my hometown, Ogbomoso is a personal loss to me.”
Alao-Akala said that the late traditional ruler was an all-round figure in his life, adding he was a father, mentor and teacher.
The former governor said that the late Oba did not hesitate to spare the rod when need be to whip him back into line as at when necessary.
“As the Bobagunwa of Ogbomosoland, a honourary title Chief to Kabiyesi, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, I became a member of the inner recces of the palace.
“And I saw first hand, a just and fair King who led Ogbomosoland with the fear of God. Kabiyesi never ruled over Ogbomoso, he led us into global fame and recognition,” he said.
The former governor said that the late traditional ruler was a man who held on the noble virtues of culture, he brought huge deal of development and international reckoning to Ogbomosoland.
He added that Oyewunmi would be sorely missed as a great man of exemplary character, a witty and never compromising King.
