• Say he was a father-figure, symbol of courage, boldness
• Ijesa monarchs declare seven-day curfew, others to begin burial rites

The Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, is dead. He died at 87 years. It was gathered that Oba Aromolaran, who had been on the throne for 42 years, joined his forebears on Wednesday.

The Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi, who announced the passing of the monarch in a statement, yesterday, in Osogbo, the state capital, said that the pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism had exited the stage.

Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed his deep sorrow over the death of the monarch via his X account, yesterday. Also, Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has mourned the demise of Oba Aromolaran, describing the deceased as a father figure and pillar of support.

However, traditional rulers in Ijesaland, yesterday, said that there would be curfew for seven days in Ijesaland while markets would be shut down for three days starting from yesterday.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said that the late monarch was a teacher “who was deeply committed to the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.

He commended Oba Aromolaran for his boldness, candour, elegance, and literary energy, through which he inspired the people during his successful reign as Owa-Obokun.

Adeleke, while expressing sadness over the monarch’s demise, acknowledged the late Oba’s unwavering support for his administration, even in challenging times, and appreciated his constant communication on matters of development in Ijesaland and Osun State at large.