Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland and a first-class traditional ruler in Osun State, has died at the age of 86.
The news of his death was confirmed in a statement signed by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi, which was made available to the press on Thursday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Prior to the official confirmation, concerns had grown over the monarch’s health as reports indicated he had been unwell. In his tribute, Fasuyi expressed deep reverence for the late king, writing:
“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!
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!
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 paid tribute to the late monarch on his X account, expressing deep sorrow. Atiku fondly remembered the Oba not just as his father-in-law but as a symbol of courage, boldness, and discipline, qualities he said were characteristic of the Ijesha people.
In October 2017, PUNCH Online reported that Oba Aromolaran, who served as the Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, had turned 80. He ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, and ruled Ijesaland for 42 years until his passing.
