Atiku, Asiwaju Ijesaland, mourn passing of Owa-Obokun
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
The death of Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran has sparked an outpouring of tributes from prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Olayinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland.
Abubakar, who described the late monarch as “more than a father-in-law,” praised his boldness, courage, and discipline, saying he personified the Ijesha progeny.
The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), condoled the Owa-in-Council, the royal family, and the people of Ijesaland, praying for the soul of the departed monarch to find gentle repose.
Abubakar’s statement read: “With a heavy heart, I received the news of the passing of the Owa Obokun of Ijesha land, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
“The 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.
“We all loved him dearly. He was a great monarch and personified the boldness, courage, and discipline of the Ijesha progeny.
“On behalf of my wife, Titi, I share my condolences with the Owa-in-Council and the entire indigenes and residents of Ijesha land, especially members of the royal family.
“As Oba Aromolaran turns his face to his Maker, I pray that his soul finds a gentle repose. Amen.”
Also, in an eulogy, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland hailed Oba Aromolaran as the “Ijesa quintessential imperial majesty” and “the last of the titans.”
He celebrated the monarch’s 42-year reign, describing it as “monumental” and “glorious.”
Fasuyi extolled the monarch’s legacy, saying he was the “torch bearer of Oduduwa” and the “symbol of Obokun Adimula.”
He said, “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 11, CFR, LL.D; the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland.”
It would be recalled that the late monarch ascended the throne on February 20, 1982, from the Aromolaran family, and his reign spanned 42 years.
Oba Aromolaran, the last born of his mother, was born on October 13, 1937 into the royal household of Kabiyesi, Alayeluwa, Oba Iluyomade Aromolaran I, the Owa-Obokun and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland (from July 1920 to July 31, 1942) and Princess Tinuola Aromolaran – a princess of Esa-Oke in Ijesaland.
