Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed shock and sorrow at the passing of His Royal Highness Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Okesooto Iyanda Adewunmi Ogunleye, Towulade 1, the traditional ruler of Akinale Town, Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Oba Ogunleye, an esteemed journalist and public relations expert, passed away on June 19, 2024, in the United Kingdom following a brief illness at the age of 79.
He was expected to turn 80 in September.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described Oba Ogunleye’s death as a great loss to the entire Owu land, Ogun State, and Nigeria.
Obasanjo, currently in South Africa for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second-term inauguration, recounted how Oba Ogunleye had informed him of his travel plans just weeks earlier, when he was in high spirits.
The sudden news of his passing was, therefore, a profound shock.
Obasanjo lauded Oba Ogunleye’s contributions to his community, highlighting his resourcefulness and unwavering dedication to promoting the cultural heritage of Owu Kingdom.
He noted that Oba Ogunleye’s absence would be deeply felt not only in Owu and Ogun State but across Nigeria.
Obasanjo remarked on the late monarch’s efforts in fostering unity and cultural pride, emphasizing that his legacy would endure for generations.
Meanwhile,the Owu Traditional Council has formally announced Oba Ogunleye’s passing on June 20, 2024, through a statement by Oganla Owu, Chief Johnson Olu Fatoki.
Chief Fatoki described Oba Ogunleye as a “peace-loving, progressive, and bridge-builder” and acknowledged the significant loss his death represents to the Owu Kingdom.
Oba Ogunleye is survived by his wife, Olori Olanike Ogunleye, their children, and grandchildren, including Mr. Bamidele Ogunleye of the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) in Abeokuta.
The family is yet to announce the burial arrangements.
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