ONI COMMISERATES WITH OSUN GOVERNOR OVER ATAOJA’S DEATH

By Lere Olayinka

Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni has condoled with the Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on the demise of the Ataoja of Oshogbo, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi III, urging the governor and the entire people of Oshogbo to take solace in Allah, the only one who gives and takes of life as He desires.

In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr.

Wale Ojo-Lanre, Governor Oni, who described the Ataoja's death as a monumental loss to the entire nation, described the monarch as an honest man, innovative and dedicated man, whose reign placed Oshogbo in the world map.

The governor, who described the late Ataoja as one of the foremost traditional rulers and a great leader of Nigeria who contributed immensely to the socio-political development of the country, prayed Allah to grant the deceased monarch Aljanat-Fridaoz and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

“No doubt, Oshogbo, Osun State, Yorubaland and the entire nation will miss Oba Matanmi. His reign brought a lot of socio-economic and political development to Oshogbo and Osun State as a whole.

“It will remain on record that it was during his reign that Oshogbo was placed on the world map through the Osun Oshogbo Festival and listing of the Osun Grove as a World heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

“With his death, we have lost a father and his great counsel on peace, honesty and dedication to societal development will be missed by all.

“On behalf of my family, Government and people of Ekiti State, I express our heartfelt condolence for the loss of such a peace-loving and honest monarch and wish his immediate family, the Matanmi ruling house of Oshogbo and entire people of the town the continued support and guidance of the Almighty Allah.”