The paramount ruler of Ikorodu, the Ayangburen, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi (Oguntade II), has died at the age of 83 after months of battling with ill-health.
The Oba died in London on Saturday at about 7:30pm.
He travelled abroad recently to seek medical attention to his failing health.
The Personal Assistant to the Oba, who preferred to be called Tunde, confirmed the death of the Oba, saying that he died on Saturday.
The late Oba was born on July 8, 1931 and ascended the throne of Ikorodu in 1971 and ruled the Ikorodu kingdom for 43 years.
It was gathered that the Oba had been sick since May and had not been performing his duty effectively as he had been troubled by ill-health.
There had been anxiety over the lingering health challenge of the monarch for a long time.
It was gathered that he had not been attending to visitors or perform outside functions due to his ill-health.
The late Oba was a first class monarch and a key leader in the council of traditional rulers in Lagos.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademorin Kuye, while confirming the demise of the monarch, said, funeral arrangement would be announced later.
A statement by Kuye, said “On behalf of the state government With gratitude to God for a life well spent and in meritorious service to his people, Lagos State Government regrets to announce the passing on to glory of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Salaudeen Afolabi Oyefusi, OON, which sad event occurred 2nd August, 2014. He was aged 83. Funeral arrangement will be announced later.”
Fashola expresses shock
Reacting, Governor Babatunde Fashola, expressed shock over the passage of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi .
Fashola, in his condolence message through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello, described the late Oba, as an epitome of discipline and integrity who loved his people and the state.
He said the state would miss the royal father and national merit award winner, who had contributed immensely to the development of the country, the state and indeed the Ikorodu community.
Fashola noted, “The death of the paramount ruler, coming at this particular time, would surely rob the state of the great contributions and wisdom of the very humane monarch, who carried the interest of the state above all other considerations till he breathed his last.”
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the paramount ruler and for the Almighty God to grant the family he left behind, as well as his subjects and indeed the entire Ikorodu Community, the fortitude to bear the loss.