Tributes As Aromoloran Joins Ancestors At 86

It was a black Thursday for the people of Ijesaland at home and in the diaspora as their Paramount Ruler, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II joined his ancestors.

The first-class monarch OSUN DEFENDER gathered breathed last at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, on Wednesday evening, after his admission for an undisclosed illness.

Oba Aromolaran, the last son of his mother was born on October 13, 1937. 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.

He was appointed the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland in 1982 and reigned for 42 years.

The monarch last appeared in public on April 30, 2024, during the Ipade Imole programme of the state government.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that there was anxiety in Ilesa yesterday morning when security operatives, including operatives of the Department of State Service and the Nigerian Police, took over the entrance of the palace.

Sources told the medium that the family of the monarch had been moving the personal belongings of the king out which signalled the demise.

Confirming the monarch’s translation, Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Yinka Fasuyi, in a tribute wrote, “An Era Comes To An Abrupt End!

“The torch bearer of Oduduwa relocates. The symbol of Obokun Adimula transits. Ijesaland celebrates the life of her idol, our Imperial Majesty. We eulogise the reign of our Owa Obokun Adimula and applaud the legacy of our paramount ruler. The 42 years of monumental reign come to a glorious end. Ijesa women and men, young and old, at home and in diaspora in unison say adieu to our Baba, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11, CFR, LL.D; the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.”

Since the traditional ruler’s death, eminent personalities and top Nigerians have offered tributes to eulogise the life and times of Oba Aromolaran.

READ: “The Lion Is Gone” – Aregbesola Pens Tribute To Late Owa Obokun

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the transition of Oba Aromolaran.

Tinubu in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, stated that Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics and was open to all political tendencies.

“On behalf of the federal government, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good 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.

“President Tinubu paid tribute to the departed monarch, expressing his deep admiration for Mr Aromolaran’s unwavering support, optimism, and commitment to Nigeria’s justice, unity, and prosperity. His dedication to these noble causes inspired us all.

“The president noted that the late Mr Aromolaran will be long remembered for his useful educational contributions through his many books and publications, his advocacy for what is right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.”

In the meantime, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of Ijesaland over the passing of the Owa Obokun.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, Governor 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 in general.

Adeleke praised the monarch 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 traditional ruler, the Governor 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.

He said the Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people.

The statement said, “Governor Adeleke condoled with the people of Ijesaland, the Aromolaran royal family, and the entire traditional institution in Osun State, saying, they will miss him dearly, but his impact on the lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.

“The late Oba Aromolaran was a great monarch and a respected custodian of our culture and tradition. Kabiyesi was known for his words of wisdom, courage, and selflessness.”

Similarly, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the monarch via his X account.

In a statement, Atiku recalled the late monarch’s fatherly warmth, describing him as more than just a father-in-law but a symbol of courage, boldness, and discipline emblematic of the Ijesha people.

Meanwhile, In an official announcement on behalf of the Ijesa Elders Council, the Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Omokehinde Samson Oyebade Oyeleye, pronounced a 7-day mourning in honour of the late monarch.

The declaration took place in the presence of other high-ranking Ijesa chiefs, including the Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro; the Oba Odo of Ilesa, High Chief James Gbadamosi; the Yeyerise of Ilesa, High Chief Bola Ojo; and the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi.

According to the elders, the curfew will run between 10 pm and 6am from yesterday to next Thursday, September 19, 2024.