By Funmi Ojo, Bolanle Adesida, Olaolu Fawole
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu, praised 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.
Also, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has condoled with the people of Ilesha and Osun State over the passing of the Ijesha monarch.
In a statement issued 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.
He eulogised Oba Aromolaran 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 monarch, Governor Adeleke 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.
“Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.
“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery-Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.
Governor Adeleke condoled with the people of Ijesaland, the Aromolaran royal family, and the entire traditional institution in Osun State, stressing that his impact in the lives of his people and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.
In the same vein, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has joined other Nigerians to mourn the passing of Owa-Obokun Adimula and Paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
In a condolence message made available to newsmen in Abeokuta by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Chief Obasanjo described the monarch as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values.
Chief Obasanjo said that late Oba Aromolaran brought his salutary influence to sue for peace, understanding and development in Ijesaland in particular and the entire Osun State in general.
While Commiserating with the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke and the entire people of Ijesaland, Chief Obasanjo noted that the late Royal father joined his ancestors at a crucial state in the nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.
He urged the Chiefs of Ijesaland, the entire people of Osun State and all the members of his immediate and extended family to take solace in his worthy legacy and indelible mark in the history of the country.
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.
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.