Ilesa, a town in Osun State, was plunged into mourning on Thursday following the passing of its king, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.
Condolences have poured in from far and wide, including by President Bola Tinubu, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others.
The announcement of the monarch’s death was made in a statement signed by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi.
Oba Aromolaran, who was 86 years old, passed away after a 42-year reign.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his sadness over the passing of the Ijesa monarch, praising his contributions to nation-building and the education sector, in particular.
“As a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies. On behalf of the Federal Government, President Tinubu extends heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler,” Onanuga said.
Ex-President Obasanjo, in a condolence message delivered by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, noted that the late Oba Aromolaran used his influence to advocate for peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland and across Osun State.
“His wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be deeply missed. His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the state, and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him,” Obasanjo said.
“It is a measure of his selfless and qualitative service to our dear country that he was honoured with the revered national award of Commander of the Federal Republic,” he added.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sadness over the monarch’s death on his X.com handle. He wrote, “The late Owa was more than a father-in-law to me. Each time I visited him, he accorded me the homecoming welcome of a son. We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his sorrow over the monarch’s death, describing him as “a father figure and a pillar of support.” In a condolence message signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said, “We will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.”
“Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and the well-being of the people. He was a friend of good governance, regardless of political affiliation,” Adeleke added. “The last time I was with him was during the flag-off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace Road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijesaland.”
The Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, Oba Samson Oyeleye, has declared a seven-day mourning period for the late Aromolaran. In an official confirmation of the monarch’s passing, Oba Oyeleye, who is the chairman of the Ijesa South Traditional Council, said, “I want to confirm and announce the transition to glory of His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, a foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, who passed away on Wednesday, September 11th. He reigned for 42 years during which he served as the Chairman of the Osun State Traditional Council and the Chairman of the Ijesaland Traditional Council.”
“During his reign, Ijesaland saw the establishment of its university, the University of Ilesa, and the completion of the Ijesaland Generative Center, one of the largest community-funded projects in Nigeria. We have declared a seven-day mourning period in his honor. A curfew will be in place from today, starting at 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and all markets in Ijesaland will be closed for three days starting tomorrow.”
“Since our king’s influence extends across Ijesaland, including Ilesa West, East, Atakumosa East, West, Oriade, and Obokun Local Government Areas of Osun State, we urge all residents of Ijesaland to observe this announcement. The curfew will be in effect for the next seven days.”