Immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has described the late Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II as a quintessential monarch who led an unforgettable era.
In a tribute titled “The Lion is Gone,” personally signed by him on Friday, Aregbesola recalled the contributions of the monarch to his domain and humanity.
He said the deceased natural ruler radiated majesty, sound intellectual acumen, and a giant among men.
The former Governor of Osun also held that Oba Aromolaran uplifted the throne of his bears with dignity.
Osun Defender had on Thursday reported the death of the first-class king at the age of 86 after a 42-year reign.
READ: Oba Adekunle Aromolaran: Biography, Age, Family, Net Worth, Contributions
READ THE FULL STATEMENT
THE LION IS GONE
I received with shock, utter disbelief, and despair, but gratitude to God for a life well spent, the report of the ascension to the great beyond of Owa Obokun Adimula, the paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II.
It is the end of an inimitable and unforgettable era.
Oba Aromolaran was the quintessential monarch – regal, majestic, intellectually sound, wise, discerning and decisive. He had a compelling personality and personified kingship.
With his sterling education and sagacity, he uplifted the throne and the institution of his fathers. He kept his head high even in an era of the decline of traditional rulership.
He was my father before, during, and after my two-term governorship in the state. He was also my life coach and advisor in practically every area of life and governance.
He was a tree that could make a forest. A giant among men. An inimitable ruler with a special appeal. “Osupa ileki, a mo roro la’gbo.”
His ascension to the throne was described as the coming of the lion. He was and lived like a lion, dominated his territory and was feared and respected beyond. But the lion is gone!
My heartfelt condolences go to the Osun State Government, the good people of Ijesaland, his chiefs and his immediate and extended family. May God comfort and grant them his peace. May he give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
May God repose his soul and grant him unending joy in the next estate. Aamin!
Ajanaku sun bi oke. Erin wo! Erin subu, erin ko le dide!!
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
