The Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, a first-class monarch in Osun State, has passed away at the age of 86.
His death was confirmed in a statement by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, on Thursday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
There had been concerns over the health of Oba Aromolaran before his death, as he was reported to be unwell. Confirming the monarch’s passing, Chief Fasuyi expressed his sorrow in a tribute, saying, “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!”
Chief Fasuyi continued, “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!”
He added, “Ijesaland Eulogises The Reign Of Our Owa Obokun Adimula! Ijesaland Applauds The Legacy Of Our Paramount Ruler! 42 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 deep sorrow over the monarch’s death. In a statement shared on his social media account, Atiku described Oba Aromolaran as more than just a father-in-law, but a figure who embodied courage, boldness, and discipline, traits that are well-respected among the Ijesha people.
Oba Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and served as the Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland and Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers for 42 years until his passing. His 80th birthday was celebrated in October 2017.
The people of Ijesaland mourn the loss of their beloved monarch, who has left a lasting legacy of leadership and tradition.
