The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in Osun State, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, is dead.
He died after 42 years on the throne at the age of 86.
The monarch joined his ancestors on Thursday.
Sources from the palace who preferred anonymity said that the traditional leader died after a brief illness.
A source said, “Traditionally, the palace of Owa Obokun does not announce the death of Kaabiesi Owa Obokun until after the completion of necessary rites. Forever in our hearts. Eternal rest our Baba, Owa Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran.
“Once the traditional rites are done, which may take days, the state government shall be officially informed about the passage of our traditional ruler. But for now, lips sealed. We have to follow the tradition.”
President Bola Tinubu expressed sadness over the death of Oba Aromolaran.
In a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, the president noted that Aromolaran kept his palace above partisan politics and was opened to all political tendencies.
“The President affirms that the departed king firmly believed in the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition.
“His respect for these values and systems defined his remarkable 42-year reign on the throne of his ancestors,” said Onanuga.
Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo described the late traditional ruler as a patriot and a custodian of cultural and traditional values.
Obasanjo, in a condolence letter made available to newsmen by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Thursday, said the late Oba Aromolaran’s wise counsel, inspiring leadership and consistently dependable support will be badly missed.
“His formidable contributions to the development of his community, the state and the country will remain indelible in the memory of all who had the privilege to know him,” Obasanjo said.
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