The former president of Nigeria, Chief Olesgun Obasanjo as well as the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul- Raheem Adebayo Lawal, stormed the ancient city of Akure for the 10th year memorial celebration Interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the FUTA campus on Friday.
The event, which also featured the commissioning of the Oba Adebiyi Adesida Afunbiowo II Hall, had in attendance, former Governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, Deputy Governor of Osun state, Kola Adewusi, including Osamewe of Ondo Kingdom, other traditional and royal fathers and host of others.
The former president, Olusegun Obasanjo commended the late monarch’s virtues during his speech, stating that he had lived a good life and prayed God to grant him eternal rest.
Obasanjo also applauded the family of the late deceased on establishing a foundation in honour of the late king, adding that FUTA received the dormitory as a gift because of its stellar academic record and to solve the problem of student hostel.
Earlier in her remarks, the wife of late Deji of Akure, Mojisola Adebiyi Adesida, thanked everyone for attending the event to immortalise the late Kabiyesi, describing her late husband’s demise as a painful exit.
The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, however expressed gratitude to the Adesina family for their donation and construction of a building on campus, stating that the project will help resolve the hostel issue that the students’ union was facing.
She thanked the family most immensely for their thoughtfulness saying that it would be hard to quantify the impact of the building in the life of the students.
“The school management is looking forward to working with others on a project that will further ameliorate students’s challenges on campus,” she added.
In his farewell remarks, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesinbo Kiladejo, the Osemowe of the Ondo kingdom, stated that the late Adebiyi Adesida was a very lively person and achiever who did a lot for the community despite his short reign on the throne.
He added that he was the chairman of council of Obas where he achieved a lot and was very close to the former governor of the state as they both attended same school, adding that the late Adesida love Akure so much and use all he has to help his community.
“May the soul continue to rest in peace and I pray All mighty Allah give fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss’l he said.
The former governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, who also spoke at the event, expressed gratitude to the Former President of Nigeria, Baba Obasanjo for the gracing the occasion.
He equally recognized the presence of Oyo Deputy Governor, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, who represented the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, describing him as his brother.
Mimiko emphasised that the late Adesida was a genius and kind man who loved Akure dearly, adding that they had been together since secondary school whilst praying that the good lord continue to grant him eternal rest.
On the entourage of the Oyo Deputy Governor include Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun; Comkisisosnr for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Director General, Oyo state Mineral DevelopmentAgency, Abiodun Oni; Chairman, BCOS, Chief Dotun Olaitan and Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Dr Remi Ayodele.
