Orlando Julius death: Osun Govt commisarates with Elegboro, Family

 

 Sunday Okunade 

Osun Government, under the leadership of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, has commiserated with the Elegboro of Ijebu-jesa, Oba Moses Olufemi Agunsoye and the entire family of late Orlando Julius Ekemode over the demise of the  music legend.

The Governor described the late music icon has the glory of Ijebu-jesa land and Osun State as a whole, noting that he has promoted his genre of music beyond the wildest level of human imagination.

Governor Oyetola, who spoke through the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Adebisi Obawale during a condolence visit to the Monarch in his palace and the family of the deceased, said that the news of the death of Orlando Julius was a shock to him saying that, he died when the State needs him most.

 He emphasized that though the late Saxophonist  died in his old age, yet, his impact in the music industry cannot be easily forgotten due to his style of music. 

Governor Oyetola therefore prayed for the family and the entire State that such will not happen again.

While speaking in his palace, the Elegboro of Ijebu-jesa, Oba (Engr) Moses Olufemi Agunsoye thanked the State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola for his concern for the people of Ijesa land saying that, he was surprised that the Governor could still visit him over the death of one of the illustrious sons of Ijebu-jesa, Orlando Julius.

He noted that the deceased was a great man who has promoted the name of Ijebu-jesa and brought it into a limelight. He further described him as gentle, easy -going, and a hard-working man who never forget his hometown after traveling round the world.

He added that the late music icon has contributed immensely to the development of music and the ancient town.

According to him, " Orlando Julius Ekemode was so close to Ijebu-jesa to the extent that, about two years ago, I conferred on him the Chieftaincy title "Gbeluniyi of Ijebu-Jesa".

"His wife, Latoya, although being an American, is a pillar to the success of Ekemode, because, she left America to support the vision of her husband" he said.

Oba Agunsoye advised those who have made it in their chosen professions to always remember their hometowns adding"there is no place like one's home."

He charged them to be proud of their source no matter how small or big the town might be.

In her words of appreciation, the wife of the deceased, Mrs Latoya Aduke Ekemode appreciated the State Government for the condolence visit to the family.

Mrs Ekemode, who was full of emotions, described her late husband as a lover and promoter of Yoruba culture adding that, he has plans to develop young talented musicians in Ijebu-jesa and ensure they come to limelight so that, they can fulfill their dreams in life.

She however thanked God for a life well spent by her husband,stressing that he lived to fulfill his dreams while alive.

It would be recalled that, the legendary musician, Orlando Julius Ekemode died few days ago at the age of 79.

Present at the condolence visit was the Executive Secretary, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Samuel Adeniyi.