Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday condoled with the family of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.
In a statement by his Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the late monarch as a “father figure, a pillar of support, and a teacher” who was deeply committed to the development of Ijesaland and Osun State.
He said: “Kabiyesi was a deeply selfless father, who took no prisoners when it came to matters of development and wellbeing of the people. He was a friend of good governance, no matter the colour or race.
“The last time I was with him was the flag off of the dualisation of Brewery – Palace road. I am glad our late erudite scholar witnessed a new phase of development for Ijeshaland.”
Also, former Osun State Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in a statement by his spokesperson, Ismail Omipidan described the late monarch as an embodiment of royalty whose entire life was spent to serve God and humanity.
“Kabiyesi was known for brilliance, bravery and bluntness as these virtues, exhibited throughout his reign, culminated to many successes recorded not only in Ijesaland but in the state and the country as a whole.
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“No doubt, the departed Aromolaran was an epitome of culture, character, integrity and dignity. Being the symbol of Ijesas, he spent all his entire life to serve God and humanity. His over 42 years reign indeed witnessed a myriad of developments cutting across different aspects of life.”
Also, a leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Osun West Senatorial District, Prince Dotun Babayemi described the demise of Oba Aromolaran, as a big loss not only to the Ijesaland and Osun State, but to the entire nation.
He said: “ The late Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran was a highly principled traditional ruler whose body of knowledge and reign, will never be forgotten in our history.
“He occupied his space robustly and contributed immensely to the growth and development of our dear state, Osun and beyond.”
Also, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, in his condolence message said: “The death of a revered monarch anywhere impoverishes a culture and an heritage. This is exactly how I will describe the death of Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland whose transition was announced today.
“He was a national treasure, and his death, a loss of immense proportion. On behalf of my family, I extend my deepest condolences to the royal family, the good people of Ijesaland, the government and people of Osun State and, indeed, all those affected by the passing of Oba Aromolaran. It will be an understatement to say that his transition marks the end of an era.”
“My relationship with the late oba extended well beyond my years as governor of Osun State. We had a very wonderful father-son relationship that lasted over thirty years which included my time as the Military Administrator of Lagos State.
“He brought much respect and prestige to the throne of his fathers which he mounted in 1982. I recall the various engagements he had with me in my years in government and can testify to his loyalty to Ijesaland and its people, and his fidelity to the oath and vows he took at the inception of his reign.