“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá

“He Was My Father in Politics” — Osun SSG Igbalaye Mourns Late Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá

Osogbo, Osun State — The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late elder statesman, royal prince, and political icon, Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá, who died on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 93.

In a condolence message issued in Osogbo, Osogbo, Igbalaye described the deceased as “a father figure, a political institution, and one of the last true custodians of Osogbo’s rich political heritage.”

He said Prince Òdùọlá was more than a mentor to him, noting that their relationship spanned over two decades of political tutelage and personal guidance.

“Over twenty years ago, my father handed me over to Baba Adeleke Òdùọlá as a young man eager to learn the ropes of politics and public service. From that moment, I came under his fatherly tutelage… Baba was more than a mentor; he was a father, a teacher, and a moral compass,” Igbalaye said.

The SSG praised the late prince as a towering figure in Osogbo’s socio-political evolution and a vital link to the town’s historic political consciousness.

Prince Òdùọlá, a respected member of the Lájọmọ Ruling House, also served as Mogaji of the family, where he was widely regarded as a custodian of tradition, culture, and communal harmony.

He was also a prominent figure in the famed Òròkí Social Club of Osogbo, established in 1963, where he served as treasurer and contributed to shaping early political thought in the town.

Describing him as “a man of multiple frontiers,” Igbalaye highlighted his roles as a successful trader, devout Muslim, disciplined family man, and political strategist whose life inspired many across generations.

“Baba lived a life of purpose and impact. He believed strongly in education, moral discipline, diligence, compassion, and community service,” he added.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased in Aljanah Firdaus and urged the family to take solace in his enduring legacy.

Condolences were also extended to the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II, the Lájọmọ Royal Family, members of the Òròkí Social Club, and the children and grandchildren of the deceased.

The statement was signed by Kehinde Adeoye, Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.