The demise of the Iyalode of Ibadanland and the representative of women in the ‘Olubadan-in-council’, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun has been announced officially.
According to PMParrot’s family source, she died in the early hours of Saturday, December 8, 2018. She will be buried according to Islamic rites on Sunday by 4pm at her sprawling Oluwo Nla residence located in Basorun, in the capital city of Oyo State.
Alhaja Abiodun during her life time was referred to as the Obabinrin meaning the female king of Ibadanland. She combined wealth with power. The tall, beautiful and elegant woman was a ‘talk of the town’ everywhere she went.
She became the Iyalode of Ibadan following the demise of the former Iyalode, Chief Mrs Wuraola Akintola. Alhaja Aminat Abiodun was announced as the new Iyalode of Ibadanland in August, 2007 and installed on the 19th day October, 2007, as the 13th Iyalode that ascended the throne in the history of the ancient town, rising through the ladder as Jagun Iyalode of Ibadanland, from 1971 to her present position, almost 36 years after she began her journey.
A strong and successful businesswoman, Abiodun has not only been prominent, she was still very active despite her age. Just like some of her predecessors, especially the likes of Efunsetan Aniwura and Humani Alaga, Alhaja Abiodun always sided with the masses.
A family member, Dr Olatunji Babatunde wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday evening “Our dear mama, the enigmatic Elegant stallion of Ibadan traditional council, the one and only “General” Aminat Abiodun, the Iyalode of Ibadanland is gone.
“She was forthright, disciplined, truthful and honest in every material particular. Alhaja Aminat Abiodun belonged to the rare type of Homo sapien whose mantra was truthfulness even when it hurts. She was not a Sycophant, political jobber or Charlatan who lives on government of the day. Mama was a workaholic, generous to a fault and spoke truth to powers at all times. She was a woman of substance with high sense of community values.
“She would be missed greatly by all lovers of truth and self discipline. Adieu Mama. God bless your soul. Ina Lilahi Wahina Ilahi Rojihunah. Adieu Iyalode Ibadan, bi Oba Ile ibomi.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola and Ojo Peter
