There was anxiety in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Thursday, over the state of health of Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1.
The palace was besieged by concerned people, including chiefs, just as the palace had a hectic time handling telephone calls over fears on the monarch’s health.
The 40th Olubadan turned 100 last April. There were ceremonies to mark the centenary, one of which was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan.
It was, however, gathered that the Oba was at the private suite at the University College Hospital (UCH), recuperating from a surgery he underwent on Sunday.
It was also gathered that the monarch underwent surgery for a urinary ailment.
The Personal Assistant to the monarch, Isiaka Akinpelu, in a text message, said: “The reigning Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1 is hale and hearty, contrary to the rumour circulating around. In fact, I was with Kabiyesi this morning when he was taking his breakfast. Please ignore all the rumours.”
Prof Femi Lana, the first son of the Olubadan of Ibadan, said: “I was shocked to hear the rumour. My brother, Gbade, who is the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, called me later and said that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had also heard the rumour.
“I told them it was a lie. The governor told me later that we should not add to the false report by taking any major step to quash it. But the truth is that people should get their facts right before spreading reports.”
UCH spokesman Toye Akinrinlola also confirmed that the monarch was admitted at the hospital. He said he was hale and hearty.
It was learnt that the monarch had been taking ill regularly before he was admitted for surgery.
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