Oba Adekunle Aromolaran: Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth, Contributions

It is no longer a news that the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, passed away at the age of 86, after serving as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland for 42 years. His death marks the end of a monumental era for the people of Ijesaland and the Yoruba race.

The Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Yinka Fasuyi, confirmed Oba Aromolaran’s passing in a statement on Thursday. The statement expressed deep sorrow over the death of the revered monarch, while celebrating his life and legacy.

He further added, “The pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism exits! The conscience of Yoruba traditional rulers departs! The last of the titans bids farewell!”

In a heartfelt conclusion, the statement paid tribute to the king’s achievements, saying, “Ijesaland celebrates the life of her idol! Ijesaland extolls the life of our Imperial Majesty. We eulogise the reign of our Owa Obokun Adimula! 42 years of monumental reign comes to a glorious end.”

Biography of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran

Born on October 13, 1937, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran was the last born of his mother. His father, Iluyomade Aromolaran I, served as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland from July 1920 until July 31, 1942. His mother, Tinuola Aromolaran, was a princess from Esa-Oke, Ijesaland.

Education Career

Oba Aromolaran began his education at Otapete Methodist School in Ilesa, before completing his primary education at Agbeni Methodist School in Ibadan. He continued his education at Ilesa Grammar School. He then worked as a teacher before pursuing further studies at Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, a renowned teachers’ training institution.

His academic pursuits didn’t stop there, as he went on to study Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics at Abeokuta Grammar School. He later attended the University College Ibadan (UCI), where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Economics in 1964.

In 1965, Oba Aromolaran completed a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and furthered his education abroad. He attended the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Economics.

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He later earned a Ph.D. in Development Economics under the guidance of Samson Olayide, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran was notably the first Nigerian monarch to hold a Ph.D. in Economics.

Career and Contributions

Before ascending the throne, Oba Aromolaran had a successful career in the civil service of the old Oyo State. He served in various roles and eventually rose to the position of deputy permanent secretary. In 1971, he voluntarily resigned from the civil service to establish Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited in Ibadan.

His publishing business expanded across West Africa, with branches in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London, and New York. Over the course of his career, Oba Aromolaran authored more than 100 educational titles for use in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions both within Nigeria and internationally. His contributions to academia also extended to national and international journals.

As an examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Oba Aromolaran played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. He also served as the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola (now Modibo Adama Federal University of Technology), from 2002 to 2014. The institution awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree in recognition of his achievements.

His Reign and Legacy

Oba Adekunle Aromolaran was appointed as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland in 1982, a position he held for 42 years. His reign was marked by immense development, cultural preservation, and intellectual leadership, earning him respect not just in Ijesaland but across the Yoruba race.

His passing is a great loss to the people of Ijesaland and beyond, as they mourn the departure of a ruler whose intellectualism, wisdom, and contributions to society were unparalleled.

Oba Aromolaran’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as his reign represents a rich chapter in the history of Yoruba traditional rulers.

His Networth

There are no publicly available or official reports detailing the exact net worth of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran. As a traditional ruler, his wealth would have likely included both personal assets and resources tied to his royal position, such as land holdings, business interests, and other investments.

Oba Aromolaran had a significant career before becoming the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, founding the Aromolaran Publishing Company with branches in multiple countries, and authoring over 100 educational titles. These business ventures, combined with his roles in the civil service and education, would have contributed to his wealth. However, traditional rulers typically do not disclose their financial details publicly, making it difficult to estimate his exact net worth.

Who will be the successor of Oba Aromolaran?

As of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the specific succession plans for the throne of the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland following the passing of Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

There are four royal houses amongst which accession to the throne is supposed to be rotated: Biladu, Bilagbayo, Bilaro, and Bilayirere.

In line with tradition, the traditional rites for the late Owa-Obokun will last 90 days.

According to the Odole Owa of Ijesaland, Chief Adebola Orolugbagbe, all markets across Ijesaland will remain closed for seven days, starting from the 14th and ending on September 20, 2024.