Ooni mourns elder brother, describes him as symbol of humility, service

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has mourned the death of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, describing him as a distinguished son of Ile-Ife whose life was marked by humility, integrity, entrepreneurial excellence and service to humanity.

The monarch, who is the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), said the prince’s death had created an irreplaceable vacuum in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni said the late prince was an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist who impacted many lives through generosity, wise counsel and selfless service.

According to the statement, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi was born on December 8, 1967, into the family of Pa John Oluropo Ogunwusi of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife and was the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings.

“Today, the entire royal family mourns not only a brother and son but also a trusted confidant, a dependable pillar of our family and a man whose life reflected honour, dignity and uncommon compassion.

“His unwavering dedication to family values, his entrepreneurial spirit and his genuine love for humanity will forever remain a source of inspiration to us all,” the Ooni said.

Oba Ogunwusi prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked God to grant comfort to his immediate family, friends, business associates and all those affected by his death.

He added, “Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his footprints on the sands of time can never be erased. The Ogunwusi family is comforted by the fact that Prince Adetunji lived a fulfilled life dedicated to God, family, enterprise and humanity. May the Almighty Olodumare grant us all the strength to bear this painful loss”.