The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democracy Newsline Newspaper and Chairman of Okun Media Professionals, Chief Olugbemi Femi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Royal Highness, Oba Bolarin Ogungbemi, the Olomi of Omi in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, who joined his ancestors at the age of 95.
Chief Olugbemi Femi described the death of the revered traditional ruler as a painful loss to Omi community, Yagba West Traditional Council and the entire Okun nation, noting that the late monarch lived a long and fulfilled life devoted to service, leadership and the preservation of cultural heritage.
In his condolence message, Chief Olugbemi extended his heartfelt sympathy to the Yagba West Traditional Council, the people of Omi community, the immediate family of the deceased and all those who were touched by the monarch’s life and leadership.
He particularly commiserated with Prince Friday Ogungbemi, son of the late monarch, Publisher of Policy and Lawmaker Magazine, Lokoja, and immediate past Chairman of Okun Media Professionals, over the irreparable loss of his beloved father.
Chief Olugbemi described the late Oba Ogungbemi as a respected traditional ruler and community patriarch whose remarkable longevity, wisdom and experience were invaluable assets to his people.
He noted that the monarch, who was a retired civil servant, had the privilege of witnessing different generations and making meaningful contributions to society before answering the call of his ancestors at the remarkable age of 95.
According to him, the traditional institution has lost one of its revered members, while Omi community has lost a father figure whose experience and traditional leadership would be greatly missed.
“Although death is inevitable, the passing of a father and revered traditional ruler is always painful. At 95, Oba Bolarin Ogungbemi lived a long and fulfilled life, and we thank Almighty God for the privilege of a life well spent.
“On behalf of my family, Democracy Newsline Newspaper and members of Okun Media Professionals, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Yagba West Traditional Council, the people of Omi community and, particularly, our dear colleague and immediate past Chairman, Prince Friday Ogungbemi, over this painful loss.
“We pray that Almighty God grants the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and preserves the good memories and legacies of the departed monarch,” he stated.
Chief Olugbemi further urged the people of Omi community to sustain the virtues of unity, peace and communal development for which the traditional institution stands.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of Oba Bolarin Ogungbemi and asked God to comfort Prince Friday Ogungbemi, the entire Ogungbemi family, the Yagba West Traditional Council and the people of Omi community during this difficult period of mourning.
