The Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr Zacch Adedeji, has described the transition of the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, as a big loss not just to the sons and daughters of Ogbomoso, but also to Oyo State and the country in general.
In a condolence statement, Adedeji said Oba Oyewunmi would be sorely missed as a vocal advocate of education of young people which he placed high premium on immediately he mounted the throne of his forebears 43 years ago.
“Our father, the late Soun, not only led a life of impact, he was a visionary leader. He knew that the greatness of Ogbomoso would not rest on the number of skyscrapers dotting its skyline, but on the quality of its human capital.
“Today, Ogbomoso is not only home to a university that was once rated the best state university in the country, it has also become a laboratory for the incubation of scholars and dispersal of same across the world.
“His love for education, particularly of young people, was what connected us. Personally, I will miss his wise counsel and guidance. In truth, his exit can be likened to the saying that every old man or woman that dies in Africa is like a library set ablaze.
“Kabiyesi’s reign was remarkably peaceful and Ogbomoso land witnessed tremendous progress and development.
“Joining his ancestors aged 95 as one of the longest if not the longest reigning Soun of Ogbomoso, I can only pray that God would uphold the family, the legacy left behind and grant him eternal rest,” the Executive Secretary said in the statement.
