Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the revered Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland and a first-class monarch in Osun State, has passed away at the age of 86.
The news of his death was confirmed in a statement released by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital. Oba Aromolaran had been reportedly ailing before his death, leading to widespread concern about his health.
Chief Fasuyi, in his tribute, wrote, “An Era Comes To An Abrupt End! A Monumental History Closes! The Lion Departs The Forest! The Torch Bearer Of Oduduwa Relocates! The Symbol Of Obokun Adimula Transits! The Elegance Of Ijesaland Royalty Takes A Bow!
“The Pride Of Yoruba Traditional Intellectualism Exits! The Conscience Of Yoruba Traditional Rulers Departs! The Last Of The Titans Bids Farewell! Ijesaland Celebrates The Life Of Her Idol! Ijesaland Extolls The Life Of Our Imperial Majesty!
“Ijesaland Eulogises The Reign Of Our Owa Obokun Adimula! Ijesaland Applauds The Legacy Of Our Paramount Ruler! Forty-two Years Of Monumental Reign Comes To A Glorious End!
“Ijesa Women and Men, Young and Old, At Home and In The Diaspora, In Unison Say Adieu To Our Baba Kaaaaaaabiyeeesiiiii Alaiyeluwa Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LL.D., the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his condolences via his X (formerly Twitter) account, recalling the late monarch’s warmth and influence. Atiku, who was related to the late monarch by marriage, described Oba Aromolaran as “a father-in-law who embodied courage, boldness, and discipline, qualities emblematic of the Ijesha people.”
Oba Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and reigned for an illustrious 42 years. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of Ijesaland.
