3rd August, 2014
By Eromosele Ebhomele
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, western Nigeria, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, on Sunday expressed shock over the death of a senior monarch in the State, Oba Oyetade Oyefusi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu.
Oba Oyefusi died in London on Saturday evening aged 83.
Ikuforiji, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Adebayo, said the traditional ruler was “an uncommon and irreplaceable royal father who used his ancient throne to transform the lives of his people and his community.”
Ikuforiji’s equated the news of the demise of Oyefusi with the strike of a thunder which happens suddenly.
“It is sad, most unfortunate and very hard to believe. How I wish it was a fallacy.
“For us in Lagos State, Oba Oyefusi is one Oba that effectively blended the ancient cultures of our people with modernity in order to positively impact the lives of our people, he asserted,”the Speaker said describing the late Ayangburen as a repertoire of superb wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
The Speaker said the late Oba’s contributions to the transformation of the State since September, 1971 when he was crowned would forever stand him out.
“It is on record, for instance, that but for the huge and proactive support and contributions of Oba Oyefusi for the Lagos State government since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, all the great achievements recorded by our State today would have been a mirage. He was an Oba that at all times stood for the good and joy of his people.
“His untimely demise at this time is therefore something that ought not have happened now, when all and sundry still looked up to such a forthright, credible, and fearless royal father for guidance in the journeys ahead,” Ikuforiji added.
While commiserating with family members of the late monarch, the traditional council and the State, Ikuforiji prayed that the traditional ruler rest in peace.