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The Owa-in-Council has said the traditional rites for the late Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran have commenced.
Oba Aromolaran’s death was announced on Thursday by the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Yinka Fasuyi. The 86-year-old traditional ruler spent 42 years on the throne.
Addressing journalists at Owa’s palace, Ilesa, on behalf of the Obaala of Ilesa, Chief Adeniyi Ibitoye, and other members of the council, the Odole Owa of Ijesaland, Chief Adebola Orolugbagbe, said the traditional rites for Oba Aromolaran would be on for the next 90 days.
Orolugbagbe, who is the traditional Prime Minister of the palace, said Owa-in-Council had not declared curfew in any part of the town.
He, however, said markets across the community would remain closed until September 21, adding that Owa traditional palace had been shut.
“All markets across Ijesaland shall remain closed for seven days, starting from the 14th and ending on the 20th of September 2024. All markets shall reopen on 21st September, 2024
“No curfew is imposed anywhere in ljesaland. Therefore, all citizens are enjoined to move about their normal daily lives and activities.
“The traditional palace at Okemese shall remain closed with immediate effect while all activities are suspended until further notice traditional transition rites shall continue for 90-day,” Orolugbagbe said.
Meanwhile, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the transition of Oba Aromolaran.
Also, the immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, described Oba Aromolaran as a compelling personality and personified kingship.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, on Friday, described the loss of the prominent monarch as “painful, huge and monumental”.
The governor said, “The late Oba Aromolaran distinguished himself not only as a first-class traditional ruler but as a renowned educationist, father figure, peacemaker, nation builder, and a repository of history and knowledge.
“The late Oba Aromolaran left worthy legacies that would continue to benefit generations yet unborn and had immortalized himself in the hearts of the people”.
In his tribute titled ‘The lion is gone’, Aregbesola said Oba Aromolaran uplifted the Owa’s throne, describing him as a quintessential monarch.
The former governor of Osun said, “Oba Aromolaran was the quintessential monarch – regal, majestic, intellectually sound, wise, discerning and decisive.
“With his sterling education and sagacity, he uplifted the throne and the institution of his fathers. He kept his head high even in an era of the decline of traditional rulership.
“He was my father before, during, and after my two-term governorship in the state. He was also my life coach and advisor in practically every area of life and governance.
“His ascension to the throne was described as the coming of the lion. He was and lived like a lion, dominated his territory, and was feared and respected beyond. But the lion is gone!”
In a related development, the former governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has described the death of the monarch as an irreparable loss to his family, Osun State, and the entire country.
He said this while expressing deep condolence over the passing of the monarch who died at 86, adding that during his reign, Oba Aromolaran contributed tirelessly to the peace, understanding, security, and development of Osun State.
In a statement by the Head, Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, on Friday, the former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum added that Nigeria would never forget the monarch, especially with the great impact of his standard textbooks on Economics for secondary school students in the 70s and 80s.
Similarly, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has described the demise of Oba Aromolaran, as a big loss not only to Ijesaland but also to the entire Oduduwa race.
Oba Ogunwusi in a statement by his spokesperson, Moses Olafare, said Oba Aromolaran was a visionary leader with profound impacts on the people of Ijesaland, Osun State, and the Yoruba nation as a whole.
Ooni further said Oba Aromolaran’s departure notwithstanding a great loss to Nigeria, should be celebrated based on the rich legacy he left behind, which would continue to inspire generations to come.
