The Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Adekunle Gabriel Aromolaran, has passed away. Oba Aromolaran, who ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, from the Aromolaran family, reigned for 42 years.
The 87-year-old monarch was admitted to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, Osun State, for an undisclosed ailment and died on Wednesday evening.
Following reports and rumors about the monarch’s deteriorating health earlier this week, there was significant anxiety in Ilesa on Thursday morning. Security operatives, including personnel from the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police, took control of the palace entrance. The closure of the palace gates and the removal of the king’s personal belongings by his family signaled the end of an era.
Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, confirmed the death of the late king on Thursday afternoon.
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In a statement, Fasuyi described the passing of Oba Aromolaran as the end of a significant era for Ijesaland.
“An era comes to an abrupt end! A monumental history closes,” the statement read. “The torch bearer of Oduduwa relocates. The symbol of Obokun Adimula transits. Ijesaland celebrates the life of her idol, our Imperial Majesty. We eulogize 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 the diaspora, in unison say adieu to our Baba, Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, CFR, LL.D; the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.”
