The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, has joined his ancestors, after reigning for 42 years.
Sources within the palace said the Oba passed away on Wednesday after a brief illness.
The first-class monarch, who once served as Chairman of Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, was aged 87.
He was admitted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, till Wednesday, before he passed on.
Oba Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and his reign spanned 42 years.
- Condolence Messages –
From the Presidency
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies.
On behalf of the federal government, Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler.
The president affirmed that the departed monarch firmly believed in the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition. His respect for these values and systems defined his remarkable 42-year-reign on the throne of his ancestors, the president stated.
Tinubu paid tribute to the departed monarch, expressing his deep admiration for Aromolaran’s unwavering support, optimism, and commitment to Nigeria’s unity and prosperity, “as his dedication to these noble causes inspired us all”.
He stated that the late Oba would be remembered for his useful educational contributions through his many books and publications, his advocacy for what was right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.
- Atiku Abubakar –
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, took to X, shared the statement alongside a picture of him, the monarch, and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
He wrote, “With a heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
“The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son. We all loved him dearly.”
- Ademola Adeleke –
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, also expressed his condolences over the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
In a statement in Osogbo, Adeleke described the late monarch as a “father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher,” who was deeply committed to the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.
He praised Oba Aromolaran for his boldness, candour, elegance, and literary energy, through which he inspired the people during his successful reign as Owa Obokun.
While expressing sadness at the demise of the Kabiyesi, Adeleke acknowledged the late Oba’s unwavering support for his administration, even in challenging times, and appreciated his constant communication on matters of development in Ijesaland and Osun State, at large.
The governor stated, “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.
“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland.”
- Olagunsoye Oyinlola –
Former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described the death of Oba Aromolaran as a great loss.
Oyinlola, in a statement, commiserated with the people of Ijesaland, Osun State, and Nigeria, as he described the late Oba as a national treasure.
The statement read, “The death of a revered monarch anywhere impoverishes a culture and an heritage. This is exactly how I will describe the death of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, whose transition was announced today. He was a national treasure, and his death, a loss of immense proportion.
“My relationship with the late Oba extended well beyond my years as governor of Osun State. We had a very wonderful father-son relationship that lasted over 30 years, which included my time as the Military Administrator of Lagos State.
“With Owa’s death, we are left to reflect on the lessons of his extraordinary life of service to his people, which lasted over four decades. He gave his people love and leadership and left legacies that will serve as benchmark to measure subsequent occupants of that stool.
“The late Oba was imbued with uncommon wisdom and adequate education and knowledge. He effectively used his years as the paramount ruler to build and nurture relationships with various peoples, communities and institutions in Ijesaland, in Osun State, and in Nigeria, as a whole.”
