The National Coordinator of the Pan-Yoruba Group, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, has expressed sadness over the death of the Akarigbo and Paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Michael Adeniyi Sonariwo.
While speaking on the death of the first class monarch in Ogun State, Adams urged the Yoruba to take solace in
the fact that the renowned monarch lived a fulfilled life.
“Given all that Oba Sonariwo achieved during his lifetime, he should be celebrated rather than being mourned. He lived a fulfilled life”, Adams said.
Oba Sonariwo died in the United Kingdom last Saturday.
Adams in a statement he signed on behalf of himself and the OPC said the death is shocking and that it came at a time that the Yoruba race needed his wisdom most.
He commiserated with the Royal family of Akarigbo of Remo, government and people of Ogun State saying the monarch lived an eventful and accomplished life
He described the late Ogun first class monarch as a respectable Yoruba Oba saying his good deeds will surely live after him. “Oba Sonaiwo brought great development to Sagamu in terms of infrastructural development and he made sure that Sagamu people are united in spite of their diversity”, Adams said.
He further stated that Oba Sonariwo who until his death was the Chairman, Ogun State Traditional Council and who ascended the throne of his forefathers on July 14, 1990 was a reputed philanthropist who will be missed by the people of Sagamu and Yorubaland, especially the downtrodden.
According to Adams, Oba Sonariwo’s contribution to the progress of Ogun State and Yorubaland cannot be quantified.
“ The people of the ancient kingdom of Remo and the entire Yoruba people would miss the wisdom and caring of the peace-loving Oba who during his lifetime provided conducive environment for indigenes and non-indigenes and equally aided socio- economic development of
Remoland “, Adams said in the statement.
“We respect him for the role he played during the Oro crisis in Sagamu between the Hausa and the Yoruba people in 1999.
“He displayed high wisdom and played a very vital role in quashing the crisis between the Hausa and Yoruba people during the crisis.
“He was an Oba who did not toy with his root, the cradle of Yorubaland, Ile-Ife. Oba Sonariwo was a devoted Christian but despite this, he allowed religious diversity in the entire Remo Kingdom, thus paved the way for adherents of the three main religions to carry out their worship and
live harmonious life”, Adams said.
He was also able to command the respect of all the Oba in Remoland because of his sincerity and forthrightness”, Adams further said.
Adams recalled that until his demise, Oba Sonariwo was patron to many social clubs in both Sagamu and Lagos and was renowned for his forthrightness.
He prayed the Almighty God to give his family, people of Sagamu, Ogun State and the entire Yoruba race the fortitude to bear the loss.
He called on the Ogun State government and the people of ancient city of Sagamu to give the late monarch a deserved burial.
Adams prayed that the Almighty God should grant Oba Sonariwo eternal rest.
