Oba Abdulkadri Adelodun, Alebiosu II, the Elesa of Oke-Ode, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, has died at the age of 81. Mr Kunle Akogun, the National Publicity Secretary, Oke-Ode Community Development Association, announced the desth in a statement on Thursday in Ilorin.

Akogun stated that the prominent traditional ruler breathed his last in the early hours of Thursday (30th June, 2022) following a brief old-age related illness.

“The late Elesa first ascended the throne in 1985, but following a litigation by one of his aggrieved opponents, he was removed in 1992 by the High Court. The Appeal Court, however, reinstated him in 1997.

“The entire people of Oke-Ode will miss Kabiyesi's staunch commitment to community development and socio-economic and political upliftment of indigenes of the town.

“His reign was very peaceful and progressive as the town witnessed tremendous expansion in qualitative and quantitative physical infrastructural facilities.

“He succeeded in attracting the attention of both government and private progressive non-governmental organisations and individuals to the ancient town,” he said.

Akogun further said this has manifested in the establishment of institutions like the Oke-Ode General Hospital and the Kwara State College of Nursing, Oke-Ode.

“Others are an ultra-modern Palace, the Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, and the Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) Secondary School wing, among others.

“We will sorely miss this enigma of a traditional ruler, who dedicated his entire life to the welfare and well-being of the people of Oke-Ode and its environs.

“May Almighty Allah, whom Kabiyesi diligently served till the end, be pleased with his soul, overlook his human shortcomings and make Aljannah Fridaus his final abode,” he said.

NAN