Abiodun visits family of late Agura of Gbagura, describes late monarch as unifying agent in Egbaland

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the late Agura of Gbagura Kingdom, Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre as a change and unifying agent who rallied members of the Egba Traditional Council to foster unity among them while he lived.

Governor Abiodun stated this when he paid a condolence visit to the palace of the late monarch who joined his ancestors in the late hours of June 13, 2023, saying the death of Oba Bakre came to him as a rude shock having seen him hale and hearty few days before his demise.

Abiodun, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said the passing of the monarch was a painful one as he died at a time he was making valuable contributions to the emancipation of the Egba Traditional Council.

“The death of Agura was a colossal loss not only to Gbagura Kingdom but also the entire state. The traditional circle witnessed impactful development courtesy of the Kabiyesi’s pivotal contributions both at the Egba Traditional Council and in particular, the Ogun Traditional Council of Obas,” he said.

Abiodun added that Agura’s leadership acumen as a royal custodian of the culture and tradition of the Gbagura Kingdom greatly and positively influenced the sustenance of peace and tranquility within the community.

While condoling with the family of the late monarch, Abiodun enjoined them to be consoled with his indelible memories and the assurances that he fulfilled his royal mission and graciously joined his forefathers.

The Governor also paid a condolence visit to the private residence of the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in Abeokuta over the demise of Oba Bakre.

Abiodun described the death of the monarch as unexpected and sad.

On his part, Alake submitted that Oba Bakre was “a bridge builder”, adding “I have grown to like him and getting so close to him.”

He described the late monarch as a principled Oba, recalling how firm he was, right from the time he knew him as a customs officer who never compromised his position.