A paramount traditional ruler in South-West Nigeria, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, has died at the age of 86.
He was the 48th king of the ancient city, and succeeded Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika who died in 1981.
Aromolaran ascended the throne on February 20, 1982. His reign spanned 42 years.
On Thursday, Yinka Fasuyi, Asiwaju of Ijesaland, announced the king’s passing after rumours of his ill health began circulating on social media.
In a tribute, Fasuyi extolled the reign of the king, describing him as the “pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism.”
“A monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer Of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol Of Obokun Adimula transits!,” the tribute reads.
“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 ur Owa Obokun Adimula! Ijesaland applauds the legacy Of our paramount ruler! 42 Years Of monumental reign comes to a glorious end!”
