By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Olu-Odo of Odo-Ijesha,Atakumosa East Local Government, Oba Olufemi Olayinka, on Friday, mourned the transition of the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11.
Oba Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on Wednesday, was installed as the Ijesha paramount ruler by the late former Governor of the old Oyo State, Chief Bola Ige, in 1982.
In his tribute, Oba Olayinka said the late Owa was an epitome of elegance and intellectualism.
The Odo-Ijesha monarch said Owa Aromolaran was a pride of all Ijesha sons and daughters.
Oba Olayinka, therefore, condoled with the Ijesha royalty, the Owa-in-Council, and all Ijesha sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora.
He urged all to take solace in the fact that Oba Aromolaran lived an impactful life.
The royal father said: ” I received the news of the passage of our highly revered monarch with disbelief and shock. The Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran 11 was an epitome of peace, dignity and elegance.
“His 42-year reign was characterised by striking developments and peace in Ijeshaland. His erudition and finesse brought honour and pride to all Ijesha sons and daughters.
“We, however, take solace in the fact that His Majesty lived a full life defined by the loftiest ideals of peace, unity, and dignity”.
Born on October 13, 1937, Oba Aromolaran 11, was a writer, teacher and publisher with about 100 books to his credit.
He ascended the throne of his forebears in 1982, succeeding Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II [1912-1982].
Oba Aromolaran was the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD(Economics). His first book, Economics for West Africa was published in 1966, a collaborative effort with his friends, Alabi Ogun and Areoye Oyebola. The late royal father left civil service to become a full time publisher on December 1, 1971 and established the Aromolaran Publishing Limited, a firm he ran till he ascended the throne in 1982. He was the Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Yola.
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