*Several prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have expressed condolences and tributes over the recent passage of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, in Osun State of Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Condolences and tributes have continued to pour in as Ilesa, a town in Osun State of Nigeria, was thrown into mourning Wednesday, September 11, 2024, following the passage of Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, Ph.D, CFR, LL.D, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland.

Chief Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, who announced the passage of the foremost traditional ruler in a statement, noted late Oba Aromolaran II passed away at age 86 years after an illustrious 42-year reign on the throne.

L-R: Former Vice-President Atiku Abbakar, late Oba (Dr.) Aromolaran and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State聽 聽Photo: Governor’s Office

Scores of prominent Nigerians, including by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, among others.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Thursday stated President Tinubu expressed his sadness over the passing of the Ijesa monarch.

Aromolaran II committed to education sector, nation building, says Tinubu

The Nigerian leader applauded the late monarch鈥檚 contributions to the education sector of the economy in particular, and nation-building in general.

Onanuga stated: 鈥淎s a traditional ruler, Oba Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies.

鈥淥n 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.鈥�

Likewise, former Nigerian President Obasanjo, in a condolence message to the royal family, Ilesa people and Osun State, delivered by Kehinde Akinyemi, his Special Assistant on Media, recalled that late Oba Aromolaran used his influence to advocate peace, understanding, and development in Ijesaland and across Osun State.

Obasanjo also stated: 鈥淗is wise counsel, inspiring leadership, and consistently dependable support will be deeply missed.

鈥淗is 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.

鈥淚t 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.鈥�

Atiku: Owa Obokun personified the courage and discipline of Ijesa progeny

In a tribute, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his sadness over the monarch鈥檚 death via his verified social media X account.

Atiku noted: 鈥淭he 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.

鈥淲e all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesa progeny.鈥�

Kabiyesi, a deeply selfless father, friend of good governance 鈹�Gov. Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his sorrow over the monarch鈥檚 death, describing him as 鈥渁 father figure and pillar of support.鈥�

Olawale Rasheed, Spokesman of Governor Adeleke, in a condolence message, quoted the governor to have stated 鈥淲e will miss him dearly, but his impact on our lives and the development of Osun State will never be forgotten.鈥�

The Osun State Governor also said: 鈥淜abiyesi 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.

鈥淭he 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.鈥�

Traditional Council declares 7-day mourning period across 6 LGAs in Osun

Meanwhile, Oba Samson Oyeleye, the Ogboni of Ipole-Ijesa, in Osun State, has declared a seven-day mourning period for the late Aromolaran II.

Oba Oyeleye, who is the Chairman of Ijesa South Traditional Council, in an official confirmation of the monarch鈥檚 passing, reportedly stated: 鈥淚 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.

鈥淗e 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.鈥�

The Chairman of Ijesa South Traditional Council also stated: 鈥淒uring his reign, Ijesaland saw the establishment of its university, the University of Ilesa, and the completion of the Ijesaland Generative Centre, one of the largest community-funded projects in Nigeria.

鈥淲e have declared a seven-day mourning period in his honour. 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.鈥�

Oba Odeleye added: 鈥淪ince our king鈥檚 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.

鈥淭he curfew will be in effect for the next seven days.鈥�

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