Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has called for prayers over the death of Ibadan elders in recent weeks.
He said this in a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Adeola Oloko, while reacting to the demise of Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Akindele.
Adeteunji expressed shock over Akindele’s passage barely four days after the death of former Oyo Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
The monarch recalled the passing of top Ibadan indigenes such as legal luminary, Richard Akinjide; veteran journalist, Areoye Oyebola; business mogul, Muritala Adetunji; prominent educationist, Emiola Adesina and renowned agronomist, Lekan Are.
The Oba urged on clerics and spiritual leaders, irrespective of affiliation, to intercede through prayers.
Olubadan described Akindele as an astute businessman, entrepreneur of note and one whose life benefited many.
Adetunji remembered how the late Parakoyi set up business outfits, employed hundreds of people and fixed destinies of otherwise hapless citizens.
“Even though a man who lives up to 82 can be said to be advanced in age when people mourn their losses it is because the vacuum left behind is always difficult if not impossible to fill,” he said.
The monarch noted that Akindele bestrode the business world for over 50 years, culminating in the establishment of Madandola Group of Companies with investment in shipping, fisheries, real estate, telecommunications, among others.
He prayed for the repose of the departed souls and beseeched God to give Akindele’s family, particularly his wives and children, the fortitude to bear the loss.
