Ogunsua Of Modakeke: A Monarch Transcending “The Beyond” -By John Oyebanji

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.”

In the wake of announcement of the death of Ogunsua of Modakeke, just like the death of every great person who had lived on this terrain, an avalanche of tributes from far and wide kept trooping in. Undoubtedly, his death had caused immense pain to the hearts of his children, grandchildren, Ogunsua-in-council, the Modakeke people and particularly his loved ones who are at this time grieving for this unfortunate death.

Erin wo, Ajanaku subu ko le dide!

The traditional principle of never saying unpleasant words about the dead had made the avalanche of tributes, positive; instead of joining the bandwagons of such, I will take a different position since I have only had personal encounters with this monarch for less than ten times after his ascension to the throne.

Oba Moses Oladejo Oyediran was undoubtedly an eminent Nigerian and a respectable monarch who has dedicated his life, most especially his latter years to noble courses of sustenance of peace and promotion of developmental attributions in Modakeke, Ifeland and Osun State in particular. One reason we would not grieve is the assurance of him, to have met with his maker and “Jesus Christ, his Saviour”, in his words. Within a very short period of ascendancy, he has contributed tremendously as a King. If Wisdom is a University, Oba Oyediran would have been “an Emeritus Professor”.

“E je ka gbadura”, translated in English Language as “Let us pray” is his leading sentence before the commencement of any discussion. I am left with a memory amidst many, of how he had, at two times, called me “eyin ana mi” (my in-laws) since the very time he was aware of my birth linkage to the “Lewere Dynasty”.

Over the years, we have been inspired of Oba Moses Oladejo Oyediran (Ajonbadi III)’s impressive career as a teacher, construction surveyor, builder and business man. He was a member of the Institute of Construction Surveyors (United Kingdom) and Institute of Builders (United Kingdom and Nigeria). He’s remembered as a Supervisor for Works of the then Epe District Council, Lagos, an Assistant Quantity Surveyor of the Nigersol Construction Company, and a Senior Quantity Surveyor of the Harboni Construction Company Limited, before he went into private businesses in Ibadan, Oyo State with branches in places like Ilorin and Benin City, and eventually retired to the United States of America in 2011 and Modakeke, his hometown, three years later.

His attainments over the years, from being installed as the Mogaji of Ajonbadi Compound in 1982, rising through the ranks to become the Balogun of Modakeke in 2018, before eventually becoming the substantive Ogunsua of Modakeke on the 27th of December of the same year.

The late Oba Oyediran was a highly respected and patriotic monarch who had impeccable records of great love for his people and Maker. He was a fervent promoter of mutual tolerance and understanding among his diverse ethno-religious constituents. If not for his toga of peace, a set of animosities would have again pilloried the people of Ile-Ife and Modakeke. As a great and suave traditional ruler, he was loved and respected by his people, even till death. Like Christopher Holloway opined, “the life of one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched”, His journey to his ancestors meant a great deal to us, as well as dealt a heavy blow to indigenes and residents of Modakeke, Osun State and Nigeria by extension. We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will; his enduring legacies will forever stay with us.

Since death is not the opposite of life but a part of it, on behalf of me, my family and my fellow compatriots, I extend our heartfelt condolences on the departure of His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Oladejo Aremu Oyediran (Ajonbadi III) to the great beyond. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

“The song is ended, but the memory lingers on.”

“Faith” John Oyebanji is a Social Commentator, Administrator, Historian, PR Specialist, Educator, Political, Journalism and Technological enthusiast. He writes from Modakeke via @theoyebanji on every social media channel. He’s the incumbent President, Modakeke People’s Front. He can be reached via oyebanjijohn00@gmail.com or +2349032201075.