Former Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs in Osun State, Prince Adebayo Adeleke (Banik), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the former Owa of Igbajo, Oba Adegboyega Philip Famodun, describing his death as a painful loss to him personally, the party, the Osun Council of Obas, and the people of the state.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, Banik recalled that the late monarch’s troubles began after his removal from the throne, an action carried out through an executive order issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke shortly after assuming office.
According to Banik, Oba Famodun had been “legally and properly appointed” during the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. He described the subsequent revocation of the appointment and installation of another candidate by the Adeleke administration as “unjust” and a source of deep personal pain for the late traditional ruler.
Banik stated that the event marked an emotional turning point for Oba Famodun, whom he described as a “walking corpse” from the day of the removal. He asserted that although the monarch continued to appear in public, “he was never truly happy again until his death.”
He added that the loss was not only personal but also institutional, noting that the APC, the Osun Council of Obas, and residents of Osun State had lost “a man of honour, humility, and unwavering commitment to his people.”
Banik prayed for the repose of the monarch’s soul and urged the people of Igbajo and the wider Osun community to remain united during the period of mourning.
