Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Senator Francis Fadahunsi has paid tribute to the late Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile, Oba Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, describing his death as a significant loss to Ijesa land, Osun State and Nigeria.
Akinyemi, who died at the age of 85, spent 21 years on the throne, contributing to the development of Imesi-Ile and its surrounding communities.
Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Industries, described the late monarch as a distinguished scholar, charismatic traditional ruler and friend to all.
The senator expressed his condolences in a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Olusegun, and released on Saturday.
He said the monarch’s passing had left a vacuum in the community and beyond, noting his intellectual disposition, jovial personality and contributions during his reign.
“It is a big loss to us in Ijesha land, the state, and the nation,” Fadahunsi said.
He added, “We can only console the family and the industrious people he led, and mourn him gracefully because he came, he saw, and he conquered.”
The monarch’s death was announced on Friday by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, on behalf of the royal council and the community.
Fadahunsi prayed for strength and comfort for the late monarch’s immediate family, the people of Imesi-Ile, the wider Ijesa community, the Osun State Government and others mourning his death.
