12/05/2026
Baba Was More Than a Mentor; He Was a Father, Teacher, and Moral Compass — Osun SSG, Igbalaye, Mourns the Passing of Elder Statesman, Prince Adeleke Òdùọlá.
Osogbo-12/05/2026
The Secretary to the Osun State Government, Bobagunwa Teslim Igbalaye, has paid an emotional tribute to the late elder statesman, royal prince, and political icon, Prince Adélékè Òdùọlá, describing his passing as the departure of “a father figure, a political institution, and one of the last true custodians of Osogbo’s rich political heritage.”
Prince Òdùọlá, who passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at the age of 93, embodied wisdom, discipline, and a firm commitment to the progress of Osogbo and humanity at large.
In a condolence message, Chief Igbalaye said the late Prince Òdùọlá was not merely a respected elder to him, but one of the very few people he genuinely regarded and addressed as “father.”
Reflecting on their decades-long relationship, the SSG recounted how his own father entrusted him to Baba Òdùọlá over twenty years ago to understudy him in politics and public service.
“Over twenty years ago, my father handed me over to Baba Adeleke Oduola as a young man eager to learn the ropes of politics and public service. From that moment, I came under his fatherly tutelage and political mentorship. I benefited immensely from his guidance not only before and during my time as Chairman of Osogbo Local Government, but also throughout my subsequent years in public service, right until his peaceful departure. Baba was more than a mentor, he was a father, a teacher, and a moral compass whose counsel shaped my journey in many ways.”
The SSG described Baba Òdùọlá as a towering figure in Osogbo’s socio-political evolution and one of the few surviving links to the town’s historic political awakening.
A proud prince of the revered Lájọmọ Ruling House of Osogbo, the late nonagenarian carried the nobility, discipline, and values of Yoruba royalty with grace and humility throughout his lifetime. As Mogaji of the Lájọmọ Royal Family, he remained a respected custodian of culture, tradition, and communal harmony.
Alhaji Igbalaye also highlighted Baba Òdùọlá’s significant role in the famed Òròkí Social Club of Osogbo, established in 1963, where he served meritoriously as Treasurer. According to the SSG, the club played a defining role in shaping the political consciousness and progressive ideals that influenced Osogbo politics during the First Republic and beyond.
Describing him as “a man of multiple frontiers,” the SSG praised the late elder for living an exemplary life as a successful trader, devoted Muslim, disciplined family patriarch, and trusted political strategist whose philosophy of resilience and hard work inspired generations.
“Baba lived a life of purpose and impact. He believed strongly in education, moral discipline, diligence, compassion, and community service. His life was a shining example that true greatness lies not in noise, but in meaningful impact and principled living,” the SSG noted.
While mourning his demise, Alhaji Igbalaye prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased in Aljanah Firdaus and urged the family to find comfort in the remarkable legacy Baba left behind.
The SSG extended condolences to the Ataoja of Osogboland, HRM, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye 11, the entire Lájọmọ Royal Family, the children and grandchildren of the late Prince, especially the Òdùọlá family, members of the Òròkí Social Club, and the good people of Osogbo.
“May the Almighty grant us all the strength to bear this painful and irreparable loss, and may He grant us the grace to sustain the noble values Baba stood for throughout his lifetime,” he concluded.
Signed:
Kehinde Adeoye,
Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communication to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.
