The Governor of the State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has extolled the virtues and values that the late Ooni of Ife and Governor of the old Western Region, Oba Sir Tadenikawo Adesoji Aderemi (Atobatele I) bequeathed to humanity before he joined his ancestors 40 years ago.

In his personal tribute to the Ooni Aderemi, the governor said the revered monarch who reigned between 1930-1980 served humanity relentlessly and selflessly, bringing golden achievements to Ile-Ife, Yoruba land and the Western Region where he was Governor.

Oyetola said the late monarch who died at the age of 91 years, worked with the British colonial masters to build and nurture political structures for the effective governance of the Yoruba just as he collaborated with indigenous political leaders to unite the Yoruba as one people to achieve their desired goal.

Oyetola who described the late monarch as a visionary traditional and political leader with unparalleled blend of diplomacy, administrative prowess and passion for his people, said his landmark achievements remained unprecedented in the history of Yoruba race as Ile-Ife and Yoruba witnessed unbroken peace, stability and sustainable development under his reign and leadership.

Oyetola added: “In his 91 years on earth, Oba Adesoji Aderemi served humanity relentlessly and selflessly. His tenure as the Ooni from 1930-1980 was golden in tenure and achievements, having ruled for 50 years and brought golden achievements to Ile-Ife, Yoruba land and the Western Region where he was Governor.

“Oonirisa Adesoji Aderemi was a team player and a bridge builder. Among his colleague First Class traditional rulers, he was a role model to other traditional rulers. His conduct and administrative style dignified royalty and nobility, and venerated political leadership, leaving his successors in these critical aspects of Nigeria’s post-colonial leadership an encyclopedia to learn from.”