Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed his deep sorrow over the reported death of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran.
Also, a prominent traditional chief in Ilesa, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Olayinka Fasuyi, paid tributes to the late frontline traditional ruler, saying “a monumental history closes.”
Other indigenes of the ancient town and the Ijesa land in general, have taken to social media to mourn the monarch’s demise and sympathised with the royal family.
For Atiku, the late monarch’s fatherly warmth was more than just a father-in-law but a symbol of courage, boldness, and discipline emblematic of the Ijesa people.
The former Vice President made this known on Thursday in a statement he shared on his X page alongside a picture of him, the monarch, and the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.
“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,” he wrote.
Atiku’s wife, Titi, is from Ilesa in Osun State.
Mourning the traditional ruler, Chief Yinka Fasuyi in a statement he entitled: “Farewell, the Ijesa Quintessential Imperial Majesty,” paid glowing tributes to Oba Aromolaran describing him as a lion, torch bearer of Oduduwa, symbol of Obokun Ademola and pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism.
He wrote, “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.”
Meanwhile, security operatives have surrounded the palace of the deceased monarch as some residents loiter around the royal edifice.
